Oregon lawmakers among the first to pass protections for kids using chatbots

Think Out Loud

Oregon lawmakers among the first to pass protections for kids using chatbots

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Published on Mar 25, 2026, 1:14:38 PM
Total time: 00:17:03

Episode Description

Artificial Intelligence is impacting business, government, social media — and countless aspects of modern life. Child health and safety advocates say the effects of social media and the rise of chatbots and other AI on children can be devastating and lead to depression, and in the worst cases, suicide. Oregon lawmakers passed a bill in the short session to protect children and youth from these emerging technologies, which will provide guardrails for adults using chatbots as well.

 

We talk with one of the bill's sponsors, Oregon Sen. Lisa Reynolds (D - Portland). And we hear from Kristin Bride, the executive director of the Carson J. Bride Effect, which she founded to protect kids from predatory tech practices, after the death of her son by suicide in 2020.

 

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