Artificial intelligence
Media watchdogs warn of risks to children from AI
AI-generated content can contribute to the disorientation of minors and promote the polarization of society, warns the KJM. photo
© Peter Steffen/dpa
Many industries, including the media, are dealing with artificial intelligence. Media regulators warn of risks for children.
German media regulators warn of risks for Children through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). There is an urgent need for action to protect minors, the Commission for Youth Media Protection (KJM) in the state media authorities told the German Press Agency on Wednesday. It relies on a specially commissioned report from the Institute for European Media Law (EMR).
The KJM stated that there is currently a risk that AI-generated content, images or videos will contribute to the disorientation of minors and promote the polarization of society. It is therefore important that these risks are addressed in a timely manner through changes to the law. AI providers would also have to be held responsible.
KJM: Correctly classify the risk situation
The report states, among other things, the outlook: “Effective child and youth media protection in digital contexts, including the challenges posed by AI, can only be guaranteed if the threat to the development of minors is recognized and correctly classified.” This requires more precise knowledge about the effects of the use of digital technologies on the various dimensions of the legally required protection.
AI usually refers to applications based on machine learning, in which software sifts through volumes of data for similarities and draws conclusions.
According to its own information, the KJM is the central supervisory body for the protection of minors in private broadcasting and online offerings. It ensures compliance with politically established youth protection regulations.