TRAPPE – Legislation to better protect young people from the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI) will be reviewed at a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee Monday, Nov. 10, at 2:30 p.m. at Trappe Fire Company, 20 W. Fifth Ave., Trappe.

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), the chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, invited the Policy Committee to Montgomery County to discuss the serious harm that can be caused by this emerging technology. To protect vulnerable children, Pennycuick introduced Senate Bill 1050 with Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Scott Martin (R-13), which would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material they become aware of.

“While AI is a relatively new technology, we are already hearing about ways bad actors are using it to harm our children,” Pennycuick said. “As legislators, we must stay informed and prepared working closely with parents, teachers and child advocates to protect our kids from these dangers. This hearing will help further determine steps we need to take to strengthen protections for our children.”

“This bill seeks to slam shut a door of vulnerability for young people, thus becoming an important piece in our ongoing efforts to protect them and prosecute the wrongdoers,” Baker said.

“Protecting children from emerging threats in the digital world is a critical need. The tools that criminals use to target young people are constantly changing and evolving, and the law needs to change to keep pace,” Martin said.

Panelists will include law enforcement and child advocacy organizations. The hearing will be streamed live on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.

 

CONTACT: Joshua J. Paul