The evolution of Cyber Technology takes place at times subtly through product design and/or system defaults; it is also subject to changes in architecture due to responsible design, which is often not seen or widely publicized until much later. Recently, with the addition of AI Safety for Adolescents, Meta created momentum for a very important movement within CyberTech regarding the prioritisation of AI Safety for Young People as an Engineering Priority and Not a Feature (optional).

For Leaders of Tech Companies, CyberSecurity Professionals, and Digital Strategists, this recent move by Meta directly reflects a larger paradigm shift towards creating AI Systems that create User Protection Via Design.

Why AI Safety Matters More Today Than Ever Before

Teenagers are using AI-powered applications daily, with these algorithms recommending what they view, how they converse with others, and how long they spend looking at content, without them being aware that there is an algorithm running in the background directing their behaviors. The Influence that these Algorithms Have on the Teen User is our Responsibility. 88% of organizations report regular use of AI in at least one business function, yet many still struggle to scale governance practices.

The research by Pew Research Centre indicates that Teenagers comprise the largest percentage of Digital Users in the United States (over 95%). The same can be said for the number of users within social media; however, the results of those statistics are only one aspect. UNICEF and the OECD both have made strong statements regarding the need for age-aware digital protocols and protections based on the fact that adolescents develop cognitive and social skills in a way that is noticeably different from adults.

A Shift Towards Building Safety In By Design

Historically, people’s primary experience with safety online has come from detecting issues when they happen (detect-and-respond). The new way that technology is evolving, with all this new software, is through using predictive technology to create systems designed for prevention. Organizations that invest in AI governance practices (like assessments and policies) are up to 1.9x more likely to report higher levels of AI business value.

As Meta’s new artificial intelligence safety practices demonstrate, the industry is agreeing that applying artificial intelligence (AI) governance practices now will put businesses ahead of the curve in building digital trust. According to Gartner, a majority of future technology leaders will adopt these practices into their governance models first before the introduction of advanced technologies.

According to the World Economic Forum, AI safety by design is critical for the long-term credibility of technology platforms. Regulatory audits of leading companies across the tech industry show evidence that a majority have improved their practices regarding user safety and increased their trustworthiness due to their reduced generation of unsafe experiences for a growing user population through the introduction of default privacy-setting options for accounts and systems that will be utilized by teenagers.

In many ways, the emergence of these practices resembles the foundational principles of Zero Trust Cybersecurity – users have limited access until it is authorized and confirmed.

The Path Forward for Innovation

The majority of people wonder if innovations can actually happen at all as a result of stronger safety measures. The Meta example shows this isn’t true.

AI personalization is still evolving.

Automated means to scale effort are still growing and engaging people.

Although continuing to create innovative products, everyone is doing so under clear guardrails on what is acceptable.

The lane markings on the highway create lane divisions. They do not stop vehicle movements; they provide a safe and predictable route for vehicle travel.

For product teams and engineers, keeping the right balance is very important.

Why CyberTechnologists Should Care

Meta has established a good foundation for anyone who is designing an AI-based system.

Some key things: 

  • AI safety is a growing competitive advantage.
  • Protecting teens can broaden into a platform standard.
  • An open-to-the-public AI system builds more trust faster than a policy statement.

When an organization opts for more responsible default(s), this minimizes the risk of liability without requiring another level of burden. As more regulatory bodies and users request greater levels of accountability and transparency, the organizations that excel in delivering safe AI systems will define the way for others. By 2030, Gartner predicts fragmented AI regulation will spread to cover 75% of the world’s economies, driving significant compliance cost increases.

Conclusion

Meta’s commitment to focused teenage AI Security is a true advancement in CyberTech. The AI systems created by each company are able to be both innovative and impactful, while remaining accountable to young people and their parents and guardians.

For the industry leaders in Technology, the clear takeaway here is that as AI technologies continue to grow, they will need to focus on providing innovative solutions through the prism of risk management. A healthy digital ecosystem will be created by building AI systems that help protect the most vulnerable people.

FAQs

1. How is Meta creating a Safe Environment for Teens to use AI Technology?

Each of the following elements exemplifies Meta’s efforts for Safeguarding Teen User Safety in the use of AI Technology: Built-in Artificial Intelligence Safeguards; Built-in Default Privacy Settings; Age-Sensitive Content Control.

2. How does the use of AI support the Safety of Teens on the Internet? 

The use of AI creates a process that customizes the recommendation for a user’s data input & output process and also opens up the potential for the use of artificial intelligence to minimize the risk of a user’s engagement & provide additional safety measures by applying company policy rules automatically.

3. Do Safety Considerations inhibit Creativity & Innovation during the Design Process? 

No, innovative companies can grow more extensively and quickly when developing creative designs focused on protected environments.

4. Why is Teen Safety Important for CyberTech Industry Leaders? 

Teen protections are typically one of the fundamental considerations of future governance & security policies for AI. 

5. Are Meta’s Safety Features Automatically Turned ON? 

Yes! Every user has some built-in default and automatic protection when using AI Technology through all Social Media platforms, including Meta’s.

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