More than two dozen advocacy organizations have written to OpenAI demanding it withdraw a proposed California ballot initiative they argue would undermine child safety and restrict families’ ability to seek legal redress. Signatories include Encode AI, the Center for Humane Technology, and the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
The measure, called the Parents & Kids Safe AI Act and backed by OpenAI and Common Sense Media, would set rules for how AI chatbots interact with minors. Critics say it defines harm too narrowly, focusing on physical injury linked to suicide or violence while excluding broader mental health impacts.
The coalition also warns that provisions around encrypted user content could prevent families from accessing chatbot conversation logs as court evidence. Adam Billen, co-executive director of Encode AI, described the initiative as a lobbying tool used to influence state legislators.
OpenAI has paused efforts to qualify the measure for the ballot but has not formally withdrawn it. The company did not respond to a request for comment.
Originally reported by Decrypt.
