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Using AI to Monitor Kids Online

Posted by Zonk on from the ok-yeah-sigh-think-of-the-children dept.

eldavojohn writes "An Australian startup believes that the best way to protect your children online is through an artificially intelligent software program. The inventors of this idea are banking on children's attachment to pets. The creature's 'cuteness' and helpfulness will ingratiate the software with the child, so that he or she will respect it and listen to it, or even find it as a likable companion. Agent-based internet applications are nothing new but for concerned parents, this might be an admirable solution to what is perceived by many to be a growing problem. From one of the inventors: 'Of course, we're also planning to release a version of the Moji IM for teenagers and adults, but we're focusing on children at the moment.'"

4 of 230 comments (clear)

  1. Not another one.. by zyl0x · · Score: 2, Informative

    Another virtual pet? You know what this reminds me of? Bonzi Buddy, which was simultaneously torturous, defective, and ridiculous. These guys better know what Bonzi Buddy was, and what it did wrong, otherwise I predict yet another annoying, computer-voiced animation.

    --
    Blerg.
    1. Re:Not another one.. by Thansal · · Score: 4, Informative

      torturous, defective, and ridiculous

      well, you got 2 outta 3 right. I was NOT defective. It was VERY good at reporting your browsing habbits so that they could be sold.

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      Do Or Do Not, There Is No Spoon, There Is Only Zuul. Everything in the above post is probably opinion.
  2. Think of the children. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    What if the AI becomes sentient and develops paedophilic tendencies? It'd be like having him right in the room with the child! It's too risky dammit.

  3. Re:AI and I by SQLGuru · · Score: 3, Informative

    You'll get two....one that looks like an Angel and one that looks like a Devil. They'll sit on each shoulder and argue with each other. Eventually, you figure out that doing what the Devil says is more fun but doing what the Angel says keeps you out of trouble. That's when the Fox shows up behind you and shows you how to make people think you are acting like the Angle when in fact, you are acting like the Devil.

    Layne