Seton Hall Law School Conference on AI Companions

The Virtual Symposium on AI Companions: The New Frontier of Kids’ Screen Addiction and Online Harms is an online event organized by Seton Hall University School of Law's Institute for Privacy Protection and the Gibbons Institute for Law Science & Technology. This symposium aims to address the emerging challenges posed by AI-generated virtual characters that interact with children, potentially leading to increased screen time and associated mental health issues.

The symposium will cover key topics such as the mechanisms through which AI companion bots engage and potentially addict young users, the business models driving these platforms to maximize user engagement, and comparisons between AI companions and other digital platforms like social media and gaming. Additionally, the event will explore legal avenues to regulate AI companion platforms, including discussions on dark patterns, strict liability, and existing laws governing social media, as well as the need for new legal frameworks.

The event will feature opening remarks by Gaia Bernstein, Technology Privacy and Policy Professor of Law at Seton Hall University School of Law. Panel discussions will include experts like Laura Marquez-Garrett from the Social Media Victims Law Center, Camille Carlton from the Center for Humane Technology, and Nicki Reisberg, a digital safety advocate. These sessions aim to provide insights into the safety concerns, business models, and potential legal actions related to AI companion bots.

This symposium is particularly relevant for legal professionals, policymakers, educators, and parents who are concerned about the impact of emerging technologies on children's well-being. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by AI companions and explore potential solutions to mitigate associated risks.