43% of Latin American children are exposed to risks

chatbots, and other tools Artificial Intelligence (AI), continue to gain popularity among users of all ages, including children. However, since their use does not require parental consent or proof of age, minors are exposed digital riskssuch as loss of your privacy and information or access to inappropriate content and
misleading. This is worrying because, according to a Kaspersky study, although parents in Latin America limit the time they spend online or the websites they visit, 43% of children in the region use their digital devices without an adult to prevent or guide them from these threats.

According to experts, children’s interaction with artificial intelligence can stimulate their curiosity and make learning more attractive. However, being part of the digital ecosystem, this technology is not available. safe from cyber threats.

Recently, Kaspersky revealed that chatbots, for example, are already a target for user privacy violations. The company is now warning of the potential that they can also threaten the offline and online lives of children, who have become targets attractive and vulnerable in cyberspace.

One of the main risks detected for the safety of minors is that chatbots, such as the popular ChatGPT, do not have adequate age verification of the users who use it, as well as the information they provide. That is, there is no filter that indicates who can use the platform or what type of content it can be
inaccurate and misleading, minors have access every time they interact with the bot. IN the most dangerous incidentsidentified cases of adolescents seeking child and meal plans.

The chatbot is quick to share its recommendations, but it’s just a random collection of information stored on the internet, with no reference to actual medical data. Another platform of this kind that proposes a endangering children’s privacy, mainly because it can collect your data, it’s Snapchat AI.

This chatbot supports users from 13 years old, without I have to parental consent, which is particularly risky because Teens may feel more comfortable sharing their information personal and private details about their lives with this bot, not theirs parents, who could direct them better and more safely.

More worryingly, there are chatbots Specially designed AI provide “sexual experiences” to users, as it were couple. Some examples are MyAnima or Botfriend; The latter, for example, has designed specifically for sexually explicit RPGs and all What you need to start using is an email. Although these bots are created for adults and some require age verification for its use, the danger is still latent because children may choose to lie respect and, unfortunately, prevention of these cases is insufficient.

Figures from Kaspersky reveal that more than half (58%) of parents family in Latin America They are concerned that their children will find content that is beyond their understanding, however, only 33% are very well informed how to set up online parental control tools or settings that, among In addition, they help monitor children’s activities on various applications and sites websites, as well as protect them from negative experiences by hiding content inappropriate with web filters and safe search tools.

“As online learning opportunities for children expand, there is a growing demand for a more thoughtful and personalized approach, especially when exploring new technologies such as artificial intelligence. The challenge lies in the fact that children not only see these tools as valuable resources, but also learn use them responsibly and critically, considering what they can offer diverse information and different perspectives to enrich your understanding of the world,” says Carolina Mojica, manager Consumer product for North and South Latin America in Kaspersky.

To help parents mitigate the risks to their children when using chatbots and other AI tools, Kaspersky recommends:

● Educate about internet safety. Teaching kids about online safety and privacy can be a very powerful way to prevent them from sharing personal information anywhere, even with these chatbots.
● Test AI chatbots together. If minors are curious about the use of such tools, it is recommended that parents take the initiative from the start, get involved and teach their children how to use them and how not to use them. Also, show examples of what they might talk about and which AI chatbots to use or avoid.

● Track how they use their devices and what apps or content they use. Leave devices in common areas of the house so you can monitor your children’s online activities. They’ll follow too, because they’ll know you’ll be there. Minors may not be clear about the consequences of sharing personal information or consuming content that is not appropriate for their age. In addition to teaching good digital habits, it is important to explain why parents should do this they monitor your digital life.

● Establish a secure privacy settings and uses cyber security solutions. Various digital devices have the necessary tools to protect and keep children safe online. In addition, there are security and parental control solutions such as Kaspersky Safe Kidswhich can filter content, block inappropriate websites, manage screen time, among other benefits that parents can feel safe while their children surf the Internet.