Emotions drive action. Product marketing has long recognized that emotions influence our conduct, and that connecting with those emotions can yield huge payoffs. Enter the age of Emotion AI, where call centers, chatbots, and marketing of all types use biometric, behavioral, and sentiment analysis models to tap into our emotions and create a false sense of connection. Emotion AI maximizes profits as it demands our attention, but the harm can go beyond selling us products or services we don’t need. When does Emotion AI cross a legal line? Lawsuits are mounting that claim serious harm from Emotion AI chatbots … and not just for children. State Attorneys General and the FTC are mobilizing to protect consumers. New laws are emerging to address AI companions, AI use in mental health, and other concerns. With great power comes great responsibility. Attention must be paid, or companies will suffer the consequences. This panel will:
- Discuss the latest “emotion AI” laws and regulations;
- Identify relevant legal developments and liability theories related to biometrics, privacy, tort, subliminal advertising, and social media addiction;
- Highlight recent mental health litigation and other lawsuits, as well as State AG and FTC enforcement activity; and
- Identify ways to minimize risk and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Speakers:
- Liisa Thomas, Partner, Sheppard
- Ruth Hill Bro, Special Advisor, ABA Cybersecurity Legal Task Force