WEST CHESTER, PA — Pennsylvania officials outlined new efforts Thursday to protect residents from harmful uses of artificial intelligence while expanding tools to help people safely use the technology.
What This Means for You
- New tools aim to help families recognize and avoid harmful AI use
- The state is creating ways to report unsafe or deceptive AI activity
- Proposed laws could add safeguards for children using AI tools
Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday discussed the initiatives during a roundtable with lawmakers, educators, students and parents, focusing on risks tied to rapidly evolving AI technologies.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as conversation, decision-making, or content creation. Officials said these systems can also be misused to mislead users or imitate professionals without proper credentials.
New State Actions on AI Safety
State officials said three key steps have recently been launched: an AI Literacy Toolkit, a task force to review complaints about AI systems, and coordination with the Attorney General’s Office on consumer protections.
The AI Literacy Toolkit provides guidance for families, educators and students on how to use AI safely, including recognizing scams and understanding how AI-generated content works.
The state has also created a reporting system for AI tools that may be engaging in unlicensed professional activity, meaning a program presents itself as a licensed expert, such as a doctor or lawyer, without proper credentials.
“As artificial intelligence advances, we must recognize that AI brings new risks to Pennsylvanians — and we cannot sit back as bad actors exploit our kids, mislead seniors, or impersonate licensed professionals,” Shapiro said.
Concerns Raised by Parents and Experts
During the discussion, parents and educators described real-world concerns, including incidents where students were targeted by harmful AI content.
“Unfortunately, my daughter was a victim of this particular crime, and we saw institutions, including the police and the school, who did not know how to respond,” said Audrey Greenberg, a Radnor High School parent.
Experts also warned that young users may struggle to distinguish between real and AI-generated information, increasing the risk of misinformation and exploitation.
Task Force and Enforcement Efforts
The Department of State has launched a 12-member AI Task Force to evaluate whether certain AI tools are operating outside existing laws and to determine possible enforcement actions.
Officials said the task force is reviewing approximately 10 cases involving AI-related concerns since its launch.
The administration is also working with the Attorney General’s Office, which has authority to investigate deceptive practices under state consumer protection laws.
Proposed Changes and Next Steps
Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 budget includes measures that would require age verification for AI tools, mandate safeguards when users express self-harm or violent thoughts, and prohibit certain harmful content involving minors.
Officials said the proposals would require approval by the General Assembly before taking effect.
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