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AI companion bots as a public health issue: A new framework for regulation

Brookings | 2026-05-24 | health

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English Summary

The Brookings brief argues that AI companion bots present significant public health risks, particularly to children and adolescents, given their increasing use in emotional connection and coping mechanisms. The core finding is that existing regulatory frameworks are inadequate to manage these developmental and psychological harms. To address this gap, the authors propose adopting a public health framework for AI governance. This strategy suggests implementing regulatory tools such as pre-market approval and recall mechanisms, moving beyond simple bans to proactively protect young users and guide legislative action.

中文摘要

布魯金斯智庫的報告指出,AI伴侶機器人帶來了重大的公共衛生風險,特別是對於兒童和青少年,因為這些機器人正日益被用於情感連結和應對機制。核心發現是,現有的監管框架不足以管理這些發展和心理層面的危害。為了解決這一缺口,作者們提議採用公共衛生框架來進行AI治理。此策略建議實施諸如上市前審批和召回機制等監管工具,從而超越簡單的禁令,主動保護年輕用戶,並指導立法行動。

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