A new report examines how Connecticut should regulate artificial intelligence. The Connecticut Voices for Children report finds AI use is embedded in certain economic sectors, but its lack of regulation is dangerous for younger internet users. Beyond deepfakes and deceptive designs capturing a person’s data, it also increased cheating on school assignments.

Carmen Clarkin, research and policy associate with Connecticut Voices for Children, said AI’s growing presence in kids’ online lives creates well-being risks.

“Beyond privacy, there are broader concerns about how AI shapes children’s critical thinking, their ability to identify misinformation, their ability to make decisions, and its ability to increase their exposure to harmful content,” she said.

She added that data breaches of kid’s information can have lifelong consequences. State lawmakers have introduced a bill to regulate AI. Given that it’s still relatively new, it calls for amending laws to protect people from algorithmic discrimination and unfair treatment by artificial intelligence. The bill has been referred to the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on General Law.

Although federal officials attempted regulating AI, bills introduced in Congress didn’t make much progress. President Donald Trump rescinded former President Joe Biden’s executive orders requiring AI developers to share safety test results of systems posing threats to national security, the economy, or public health. Clarkin said Connecticut lawmakers should consider international AI standards when developing regulations.

“By aligning with international best practices, Connecticut can ensure AI applications in sensitive areas are appropriately monitored, building safety and fostering ethical compliance,” she added.

Other recommendations include promoting data and privacy protections, mitigating bias, ensuring accountability, and having transparency and fairness disclosures.