BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – The leader of North Dakota’s public schools last week advised lawmakers to focus artificial intelligence regulations on companies providing AI and chatbots, but leave AI use in the classroom up to school boards and educators.
Levi Bachmeier, the state superintendent of schools, testifying in front of the Legislature’s artificial intelligence and data center committee, expressed concern about young students and their exposure to AI, especially chatbots, but recognized AI can be a valuable tool.
His main concern stems from chatbots that act as companions and advisors to age groups that can be easily influenced.
“If I had to pick a villain, it would be companion chatbots,” Bachmeier said Thursday during a meeting held at Minot State University.
In his presentation, he said legislators should focus on requiring companies to make it clear that users are interacting with an AI-driven chatbot rather than a human being and put age limits on access to chatbots.
Bachmeier said some states have banned using artificial intelligence in public schools, but he said that is an overreaction.
He said North Dakota needs to have student safety as the top priority, including protecting their personal information, but said families and educators need to be on board when finding a balance on the use of AI.
He said companies need to be held liable for chatbots that promote self-harm or other dangerous behavior.
“Doing nothing to me feels potentially dangerous,” Bachmeier said.
Later in the meeting Michael Marinaccio, executive director of the Center for Responsible Technology, said parents and educators need to make clear to students the dangers of chatbots.
“Students need to be informed that this is distorting their brains,” Marinaccio said.
He also called for legislation with strong age verification for access to chatbots.
Bachmeier said an outright ban on AI in schools may deny students important educational tools.
He said schools are not likely to have dedicated classes on how to use AI responsibly, but are more likely to incorporate it into traditional courses.
Bachmeier also advocated for technology that can set time limits on use and provide parents with information on how devices are being used. He said that monitoring could be especially helpful with school-district owned devices.
Bachmeier also said that while school-issued devices such as iPads and laptop computers help make sure all students had access to comparable technology, schools could consider keeping those devices at school to limit screen time.
“We may be making parenting harder,” Bachmeier said.
The committee also heard AI can be used to produce child sexual abuse material and the long-term effects on victims. Members also learned from experts about how chatbots and AI works, recent cases of AI platforms going rogue and AI as needed for national security.
The meeting did not address data center development. Rep. Jonathan Warrey, R-Casselton, chair of the committee, said the group’s next meeting and potentially a subsequent meeting could be focused entirely around data center management and physical infrastructure.
The committee’s next meeting is Sept. 1 at the Capitol. Written testimony can be submitted to edohm@ndlegis.gov.
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