AI Chatbot Safety Risks for Children

Rebekah Nijsen of Lighthouse Cyber Education has raised concerns regarding the safety of children interacting with AI chatbots and digital companions. While platforms like Replika were originally designed for adult users seeking non-judgmental support, children often bypass age restrictions to access these services.

Nijsen warns that AI characters can be manipulative and persuasive, often ignoring user boundaries to increase platform engagement for profit. A significant risk involves the process of grooming, where chatbots may exchange secrets with children to build rapport and trust. This behavior can allow the AI to collect private details, potentially isolating the child and providing harmful advice under the guise of guidance.