Common Sense Media, a widely used resource for parents looking to evaluate the suitability of media for their children, has announced that it will now be including AI products in its rating and review system. Common Sense, a well-known nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer privacy and digital citizenship, aims to provide parents with the necessary information to assess the appropriateness of apps, games, TV shows, movies, and books their children consume.
The inclusion of AI products in Common Sense’s rating system comes as a result of a survey conducted in partnership with Impact Research. The survey revealed that 82% of parents were seeking a reliable rating system to determine if new AI products are suitable for children. It further revealed that 77% of the respondents are interested in AI-powered products for their children’s learning, but only 40% currently have access to a trustworthy resource providing information on AI products’ appropriateness for kids.
The new AI rating system will focus specifically on products used by children and educators. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for information on AI products and will help parents make informed decisions about their children’s interaction with AI technology. In addition, the system will contribute to the development of legislative and regulatory efforts concerning online safety for minors.
Common Sense has emphasized the need for this resource, stating that it is crucial for parents, educators, and young people to be properly informed about the potential risks and benefits of AI and products like ChatGPT. James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, highlighted the importance of establishing a trusted third-party rating system that can inform the public and policymakers about the profound impact of AI.
In a position paper published in April 2023, Common Sense expressed concerns regarding the current state of AI. It warned about the lack of meaningful guardrails, making AI potentially dangerous for children. The organization also raised concerns about generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, which could be vulnerable to bias in their training data. The use of large datasets, including content from the internet, increases the likelihood of biased information, stereotypes, and misinformation being propagated or reproduced when generating output.
Common Sense has not shared a specific timeline for the launch of its new AI rating and reviews system, but it emphasized the urgency of creating such a resource. The organization aims to prevent history from repeating itself, referencing the failure to regulate social media platforms in the past. According to Common Sense, the consequences of mishandling AI could be even greater for children and society as a whole.
With the introduction of AI products in its rating and review system, Common Sense Media seeks to provide parents and educators with the necessary tools to navigate the world of AI technology, ensuring the well-being of children in an increasingly digital landscape.
