Macron calls for bans on AI that threatens children

French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a ban on artificial intelligence in areas where it risks children's mental health and brain development, comparing the current tech landscape to the 'Wild West.' In an interview with Les Echos, Macron emphasized that AI applications should not be allowed to bypass child protection standards.

To address these risks, a committee of experts is set to present recommendations on safeguarding children from AI. Concurrently, a new charter will be introduced at the Paris Peace Forum, involving major industry players such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Mistral. This initiative aims to establish principles of pre-audit and pre-certification for AI models before they reach younger users, serving as a stepping stone for future national and European legislation.