AI bots and internet-connected baby monitors are the targets of two bills signed into law this week by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, aimed at protecting children from rogue chatbots and to require new safety measures for internet-connected baby monitors.
“As New York’s mom Governor, I’m taking action,” Hochul said. “No company should be peddling chatbots to kids encouraging self-harm or pretending to be their friend or more. And no new parent should have to worry that predatory hackers are spying on their new family through their baby monitors.”
The chatbot measure prohibits chatbots that interact with children under 18 from pretending to be human as well as those that build emotional dependency, encourage self-harm or engage in sexually explicit conversations.
The measure outlaws the following features from being offered to anyone under 18:
Pretending to be a real person, to be alive or to have human emotions
Claiming a personal, romantic, professional or authority-figure relationship with a child
Unprompted emotional questions, and using a child’s private health or personal information from earlier conversations
Promoting or helping with suicide, self harm, eating disorders or drug and alcohol use
Encouraging kids to keep secrets, isolate themselves or avoid asking parents, trusted adults or professionals for help
Any sexually explicit content or child sexual abuse material
Violations incur fines of up to $25,000 per occurrence. The bill requires the attorney general to set up a public website where New Yorkers can file complaints about chatbot conduct.
Monitoring the baby monitors
The baby monitor measure requires internet-connected baby monitors to include security features that block strangers from watching or listening in.
“A baby monitor should keep watch for parents, not open the door for hackers and strangers. Now, every internet connected baby monitor sold in New York must be built to keep intruders out and clearly labeled so families know how to stay safe,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages.
The new laws are thought to be the first of their kind in the nation, although other states are considering similar measures.
Monitor safety
The notion of lurkers listening in on baby monitors is a headline-grabber but there are other safety considerations when using a baby monitor.
One of the most basic is placement. The monitor should be placed no closer than three feet away from the infant, to lessen the risk of strangulation from the power cord, according to the Baby Safety Foundation.
In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against using unauthorized infant monitors that claim to measure vital signs, including pulse rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and body temperature.
“Many infant monitors currently sold over-the-counter (OTC) for vital sign monitoring do not have FDA marketing authorization, meaning the FDA has not evaluated the safety and effectiveness of those devices. The FDA recommends looking for an FDA-authorized device appropriate for your child’s needs,” the agency said.
Not enough to prevent SIDS
The FDA also cautions that the use of a baby monitor is no guarantee against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a silent killer that strikes previously healthy infants, or against other health threats.
“Infant monitors are not a replacement for adult supervision or safe sleep practices,” FDA said.
And how should babies sleep to lessen SIDS risk?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists these steps:
Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—naps and at night.
Use a firm, flat (not at an angle or inclined) sleep surface. For example, a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
Keep your baby’s sleep area (for example, a crib or bassinet) in the same room where you sleep, ideally until your baby is at least 6 months old.
Keep soft bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. This includes blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys.
Do not cover your baby’s head or allow your baby to get too hot. Signs your baby may be getting too hot include sweating or his or her chest feels hot.