Alliance Urged to Shield Minors from AI Threats, Warns Italy’s Privacy Chief

Rome: Pasquale Stanzione, the president of Italy’s privacy authority, has called for a collective effort to protect children from the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. He expressed concerns over the increasing power of major tech companies in influencing democratic processes as he presented the annual report of the watchdog on Tuesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, Stanzione warned that AI poses “intolerable dangers,” particularly to minors who are considered ‘digital natives.’ Their inherent connection with new technologies offers benefits but also presents significant risks. He emphasized the necessity for strict adherence to age verification protocols and advocated for a collaborative alliance between institutions and educational entities to foster digital awareness among young people.

Stanzione underscored the significance of Europe’s digital strategy and the need to regulate the vast private power wielded by tech platforms. He highlighted the role of his authority in preventing profiling and content selection from disrupting democratic processes, warning of the dangers of allowing platforms to define freedoms and exercise democracy.