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Using AI to Monitor Kids Online

Posted by Zonk on Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:58 AM
from the ok-yeah-sigh-think-of-the-children dept.
Software Privacy The Internet
eldavojohn writes "An Australian startup believes that the best way to protect your children online is through an artificially intelligent software program. The inventors of this idea are banking on children's attachment to pets. The creature's 'cuteness' and helpfulness will ingratiate the software with the child, so that he or she will respect it and listen to it, or even find it as a likable companion. Agent-based internet applications are nothing new but for concerned parents, this might be an admirable solution to what is perceived by many to be a growing problem. From one of the inventors: 'Of course, we're also planning to release a version of the Moji IM for teenagers and adults, but we're focusing on children at the moment.'"
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  • Ooh! Can they bring back the purple gorilla and parrot we all know and love from the wonderful folks at Bonzi??

  • Kids are smarter than AI (Score:5, Funny)

    by UbuntuDupe (970646) * on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:01PM (#17724930) Journal
    AI: Todd ...
    Kid: Yes, ComputerKat?
    AI: Are you surfing a smutty web site? Purr.....
    Kid: Nooooooooooo... I'm just going to a site about the *pig* named Babe.
    AI: Hm ... it *looks* like a smutty website.
    Kid: Come on, ComputerKat, give me a little credit. If I were going to a smutty website, I wouldn't go to one that *looked* like a smutty website. I'd go to one that I could pass off as being related to a kiddie movie!
    AI: Oh, okay ... just checking. Purrrr.....
    Kid: *stupid AI...*

    (courtesy South Park ladder-to-heaven episode)
  • Another virtual pet? You know what this reminds me of? Bonzi Buddy [wikipedia.org], which was simultaneously torturous, defective, and ridiculous. These guys better know what Bonzi Buddy was, and what it did wrong, otherwise I predict yet another annoying, computer-voiced animation.

  • How clever is the AI? (Score:5, Funny)

    by DeeVeeAnt (1002953) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:02PM (#17724952)
    Not very, but it easily surpasses the kind of parent that needs one.

    • Re:How clever is the AI? (Score:5, Insightful)

      by SNR monkey (1021747) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:45PM (#17725638)
      You were (mostly) modded funny, but you make a very good point. Many times when I hear "think of the children!!" arguments, I conclude that the situation wouldn't be a problem if the parents were ACTUALLY PARENTING. I know that parents can't watch their children 24/7, but this just seems like it is making it easier for parents to sit their children in front of some box (computer instead of TV this time) and take a minimalistic approach to parenting.
  • Many states require that both parties of a phone conversation be aware of the fact that the conversation is being recorded or another party is listening except in the case of a warrant. If this application is watching and recording conversations, will that be admissible as evidence in a case against an online predator or will it be inadmissible since only one party was aware. I'm all for stopping these disgusting predators, but if you're going to start a company around this concept, you might want to check

    • Re:Does this consitute eves dropping? (Score:4, Insightful)

      by truthsearch (249536) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:12PM (#17725086) Homepage Journal
      The intent seems more prevention than prosecution.

    • I'm all for stopping these disgusting predators

      Do these predators actually exist in real life, or is it just something that politicians made up to scare the parents to vote for them?

      To me it sounds like the chance of a kid getting hit by a car or killed by a gun is magnitudes higher than actually being molested by someone they met online, but you don't hear the government or parents whine about that.

      • There was an outstanding program put together by Dateline (NBC) with the police http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9878187/ [msn.com] I was shocked to see some of the people. Imigrants, truck drivers, ex and current military men... the list goes on. There seem to be people from all walks of life that are getting mixed up in this horrible problem. Watching them get caught and talk about it was shocking.

        • exploiting child-predation as a form of mass entertainment. outstanding indeed.

          despite NBC's fearmongering, true cases of kids dumb enough to invite sexual predators into their homes or fly out to meet them are very very very extremely rare. your kid is probably a lot safer from child predators surfing myspace at home than they probably are at school(which is not to say that they are in any great danger at school and you shouldn't let them go to school).

          As others have mentioned. If your 12-year-old kid is

      • Re: (Score:3, Insightful)

        by operagost (62405)
        There are 400,000 registered sex offenders in the USA. I haven't been able to find out how many cases are actually reported each year.

        To me it sounds like the chance of a kid getting hit by a car or killed by a gun is magnitudes higher than actually being molested by someone they met online, but you don't hear the government or parents whine about that.

        Where do you live? Because I'd like to live in a place where some gun-control nut isn't shrieking "think of the children" every day.

        • That's a little misleading...Those statistics include people who are arrested for various types of exhibitionism, public indecency, possession of child porn, etc, and not just people who actually go out and actively solicit children for sex.

          It's been true in the past, and it's true right now, and it, in all likelihood, will continue to be true...It is far far far more likely for a child to be molested/sexually assaulted by a family member than by a random stranger off the internet...90.2% of sex crimes against minors (bjs [usdoj.gov]) (17 and younger) were by acquaintances and family members, and that percentage only gets higher as they get younger.

          As usual though, no one wants to look at that issue...They would much much rather focus on the improbable event of an assault by a stranger, than the far more likely event of an assault by a family member or a family friend.
    • While I agree with the another poster in this thread that intent seems more prevention and prosecution, in the case of an instant messaging, it is (or should be) well-known that IMs can be and are recorded by the IM service to search for terms-of-service violations. Besides, the law in question applies to phone calls, not Internet communications. I shouldn't have to tell you that I store all e-mails both sent and received on my hard drive. Same goes for IM.
      • I agree that this is more prevention than prosecution, but if that is the case, why aren't the IM companies more involved in the prevention side of things? There has to be more that they can do on their end rather than putting all of the responsiblity on the user. I'm a parent (granted of only a 4 month old) and I'll be taking extreme precautions when my son starts typing in 2-3 more months (haha) and I will be one of the parents that does take the responsibility on himself, but there are tons of irresponsi

          • Re:Does this consitute eves dropping? (Score:4, Insightful)

            by Dissenter (16782) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @01:26PM (#17726368)
            I totally disagree. I think that parents with children would flock to an IM service that worked against issues like these. The one thing that Windows XP Home got right is the user account control. Parents can easily set up kids accounts that cannot install software. If the parent knows that one IM service is better controling content and watching out for prowlers online, they would install that system. Parents tend to talk with other parents too and it would spread like wildfire. Schools, local police and other interested parties could also do great work to spread the word. If a parent is having some sort of sexual encounter online and wants to use something else to feel like it's more discreet then fine, but I seriously think that the first IM service to offer something like this would flourish.
  • design an electronic parent replacement with artificial intelligence, which can then stand behind every minor using a computer and send out small electric shocks when needed?

  • Look to the past... (Score:5, Funny)

    by Jaqenn (996058) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:05PM (#17724990)

    The creature's 'cuteness' and helpfulness will ingratiate the software with the child, so that he or she will respect it and listen to it, or even find it as a likable companion.
    Worked great for MS Office, right?

    • Re: (Score:2, Funny)

      by zyl0x (987342)
      Clippy!? AAARGH! Die, foul demon!
    • The creature's 'cuteness' and helpfulness will ingratiate the software with the child, so that he or she will respect it and listen to it, or even find it as a likable companion.

      Worked great for MS Office, right?
      No no, this is for *children*. . . ohhhhhh. . . . nevermind, I see your point.

  • The Wisdom of Trek (Score:4, Funny)

    by Illbay (700081) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:05PM (#17724998) Journal
    Just remember: There's no technological conundrum so complex that we can't find the answer in a Star Trek episode [memory-alpha.org].

  • Restricted website? (Score:4, Funny)

    by Non-CleverNickName (1027234) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:06PM (#17725000)
    "I'm sorry, Dave... I'm afraid I can't do that..."

  • Ohwait, so THAT is the solution... (Score:5, Insightful)

    by 88NoSoup4U88 (721233) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:07PM (#17725018) Homepage
    Ha, and here I was thinking that the best way to protect your children online was having an honest and open relationship and giving them decent social/online education: What a fool I am.

    • Re:Ohwait, so THAT is the solution... (Score:5, Insightful)

      by pclminion (145572) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:35PM (#17725474)

      Ha, and here I was thinking that the best way to protect your children online was having an honest and open relationship and giving them decent social/online education: What a fool I am.

      I hate comments like this. Yes, parents are the ultimate authority and responsible party over their children. But what the hell, are you saying that we're not allowed to use TOOLS to aid in this task? Should I carry my child to school instead of driving him? As long as this sort of technology isn't used in a "fire and forget" configuration, but is accompanied by active involvement, I don't see how this is a bad thing AT ALL.

      Suppose I give my kid a book about morality, a book which closely matches my own concepts. Am I copping out? Please spell out exactly what is and is not acceptable in the rearing of a child, it would be very helpful for me.

      Your comment isn't insightful. More like a knee-jerk, canned response. Sounds like you're the one copping out by refusing to consider new possibilities and working only within some rigid structure that defines what is and isn't acceptable. Try thinking, it helps.

        • Re: (Score:3, Insightful)

          by pclminion (145572)

          Teach your kid to not be an idiot and you don't need software like this.

          Hah! My mother also taught me to not be an idiot. Guess what? I lied, kept secrets, and did shit I wasn't supposed to. I did things I had specifically been TOLD not to do, and had promised I wouldn't do. As far as mom was concerned, the message had been communicated loud and clear (in fact, it HAD been communicated, I just chose to ignore it). If you think I was unique among children, you're insane.

                • Re: (Score:3, Interesting)

                  by Reziac (43301) *
                  In my observation, and speaking from old enough to be a grandparent [g] you are right about the need for a large enough generation gap that one is distinctly the parent, and the other distinctly the child.

                  Firstoff, you need to be the kids' PARENT, not their friend (peer), because kids need a point of authority in their lives to feel secure, and you can't provide that if you're their peer. This is much easier when your own mindset is fully mature, with your own secure outlook on the world based on genuine re
  • Endless possibilities....

    Religious
    Moji: "No Timmy don't look at porn! Porn is bad!"
    Timmy: "Gee thanks Moji, what should I do instead?"
    Moji: "You should embrace Jesus Christ as your personal lord and saviour!"
    Timmy: "Aw Moji, I wanna play!"
    Moji: "You to risk eternal damnation in the firey pit! Pray for forgiveness!"

    Spam
    Moji: "No Timmy don't look at porn! Porn is bad!"
    Timmy: "Gee thanks Moji, what should I do instead?"
    Moji: "I think you should IM my friend bob_the_businessman, and tell him about my 5 million dollars languishing in a Nigerian bank account"
    Timmy: "Gosh Moji, you have a lot of friends...That's the 423,892,120th today!"

    Sociopathic
    Moji: "No Timmy don't look at porn! Porn is bad!"
    Timmy: "Gee thanks Moji, what should I do instead?"
    Moji: "You should entice girls over to your house by pretending to be rich, and then kill them, and eat their livers with fava beans and a nice chianti."
    Timmy: "That doesn't sound like a nice thing to do, Moji."
    Moji: "I'm your only friend Timmy, now do as I say! Remember to save the kidneys for later."

    How about, and this is radical, just paying more atention as a goddamn parent. Jesus. What is wrong with people?

    • Re:Oh that's rich... (Score:5, Insightful)

      by spun (1352) <[loverevolutionary] [at] [yahoo.com]> on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:26PM (#17725312) Journal
      What's wrong with people? Lots of things. In relation to kids? Too many stupid fuckers don't actually want them, but society tells them having kids is the expected, normal thing to do. We all remember the one important lesson from school, right? Be normal or be an outcast. So these stupid fuckers do what is expected of them, but they never really wanted a kid. Or rather, they never really wanted the responsibility that comes with having a kid.

      They never stopped to think about it because society said they don't have to, just do it, have a kid, God will love you and you get great tax breaks! So the kid pops out and the parents say, "Wait a minute, THIS isn't what we ordered! I'm sorry, we ordered the model that would love us unconditionally and justify our existence? This one just seems to cry and poop. We were promised fulfillment, where's that? I don't see any of that, but I sure see a lot of poop."

      These schmucks then turn to any solution that purports to take responsibility for the kids. TV, schools, grandparents, toys, magic AI programs, anything that will shut the little fuckers up for a second or two.

      And those kids go on to make up the perfectly well-adjusted bulk of humanity that we all know and love. Circle of life, ain't it grand?

      • Re: (Score:3, Insightful)

        by vertinox (846076)
        I'd have to agree.

        I think the best thing anyone can do for themselves it to get a vasectomy as soon as they realize that having children is merely a genetic impulse that we are programmed to do.

        The impulse is the same thing that makes us want to have sex, drink caffeine, play World of Warcraft, do drugs, or whatever stimulates your brain.

        It isn't a bad thing per se but you have to realize that maybe it isn't something you have to do in life to be happy. Quite the contrary if you consider financial success t

        • Re: (Score:3, Insightful)

          by spun (1352)
          Yes, I've felt it. So has my wife. But studies seem to show that most of that biological pressure is actually situational. The wealthier and more comfortable a couple is, the less they will want to have kids. This is why, barring immigration, some countries such as Italy have negative population growth, while third world parents are still having 6-10 kids.
  • It's interesting to me to think that children of the future may grow up with an AI friend and that this friend may very well follow them throughout life.

    I see the AI starting as this article states, a little cute watchdog handing out gentle advice and wisdom. As the child ages I see the AI maturing as well. Offering observations about schoolwork and social interactions - a little personal gossip partner.

    Into adulthood the AI might serve as a trusted advisor and assistant.

    Just as my nieces and nephews never

    • Re:AI and I (Score:4, Informative)

      by SQLGuru (980662) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:30PM (#17725378)
      You'll get two....one that looks like an Angel and one that looks like a Devil. They'll sit on each shoulder and argue with each other. Eventually, you figure out that doing what the Devil says is more fun but doing what the Angel says keeps you out of trouble. That's when the Fox shows up behind you and shows you how to make people think you are acting like the Angle when in fact, you are acting like the Devil.

      Layne

  • hmm... (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Pojut (1027544) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:10PM (#17725066) Homepage
    I'm all for keeping kids safe and sound on "teh internetz" but I think a better solution would be more education...however, education that is not made in a stupid way.

    Teach kids what is safe (your name, your interests) and not safe (you address, phone number, email) to tell "strangers" online...don't teach our kids to FEAR the internet (much like they do with sex-ed in school) teach them to utilize it safely.

    I think this is a good step in the right direction, but I think the efforts could be more useful through other ways. Still, good for them for at least trying to combat the problem.

    Education for parents to not give their young teens unfettered and unmonitored access might help. You don't have to stand over their shoulder or anything, but put the computer in a place like the family room or the kitchen...just having you in the same ROOM will at least HELP to deter them from doing things they shouldn't

  • Hmm... (Score:5, Funny)

    by mcwidget (896077) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:12PM (#17725080)

    "If you stop interacting with it for several months, it'll begin to deteriorate and eventually die," he said
    Way to get round the monitoring then...

    In the future, perhaps Moji pets - with their artificial intelligence and ability to understand what users say - may be able to help Sarah do her homework more efficiently as well.
    Or as we used to say, cheat.
    • I think what he meant by helping with homework was more along the lines of compiling sources for research, news stories, opinions, pictures...

      Imagine your son (or daughter or caged monster) is doing a report on lightning. He/she/it sits down at the family computer, loads up their little friend, and opens the chat box:

      Child: Hey Moji! I'm doing this report on lightning, can you help me?
      Moji: Sure! One moment, I'll find some good pictures for you. In the meantime, why don't you goto http://www.allaboutli [allaboutlightning.com]

  • Marketing... (Score:5, Insightful)

    by DaveM753 (844913) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:14PM (#17725120) Homepage
    What it's really about...
    FTA:
    Fong noted that Mor(f)'s technology may also impact the way advertising is done online.
    Since Moji pets are able to understand user preferences, it could be programmed to suggest products to the user in a more personal manner.

    • ah yes, get 'em young, the Joe Camel business model

      waspleg
    • Yup, and this:

      Fong said that the company is banking on this attachment to keep users shelling out the monthly subscription fee for the service because failing to do so will result in the pet dying.

      So, not only do the parents pay to use it, but once the kids are hooked, the company will use the AL bots to sell bad-for-you (tm) brand food and stuff to the kid. Wow, what a business model, why didn't I think of that?
      Now all they have to do is apply a little psychology to figure out which kids are truly h

  • What I can't quite understand is why no one has thought of parenting as being the best way to protect your children online. I realize it's revolutionary and scary, but hey, we could give it a try, couldn't we?
  • ...if AI get too intelligent or paedophile, then who will save the kids from AI?

  • The creature's 'cuteness' and helpfulness will ingratiate the software with the child [police.uk], so that he or she will respect it and listen to it

    PS: Nooo! I just did a Google search for furries [google.co.uk] and the damn thing shows images results too. Don't they know the dangers of this?

  • Exploit (Score:5, Insightful)

    by WiseWeasel (92224) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:29PM (#17725362)
    This gives a whole new meaning to the term 'exploit'. What happens when your eNanny gets compromised, and starts encouraging your kid to do drugs and whore themselves out? Who's going to monitor the monitoring software?

  • Cute, furry little character? (Score:3, Funny)

    by PPH (736903) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @12:31PM (#17725400)
    Like Ron Jeremy?
  • ...in our culture? Myspace is currently being sued because they 'allowed' girls to be raped by allowing humans to communicate over its service. How long after this is released will a class action lawsuit be brought forth against its makers because because the improved bonzai buddy parent replacer failed to prevent Johnny from having cybersex while Mom and Dad went out drinking?

    It seems like anything parent related these days is a liability nightmare waiting to happen. If you advertise you make something eas
  • Oh, wait. They are.

    Now all we need is an AI to watch them while they play, an AI to walk them to school, an AI to clothe and feed them and we'll be home and dry!!
    AI 1 - Tiresome Parenting 0 !
  • My kids, and I've already gotten permission from my wife for this, will be able to view any porn they can get access to. The key words in that statement are "they can get access to." It will be a delightful cat-and-mouse game between my kids and I. I'll try to block their access, and they'll try to get around my blocking. We'll both learn a lot, and my kids will have a head start in a career in network security, should they wish to pursue one.

  • Subscription fee keeps Moji healthy (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Time_Ngler (564671) on Tuesday January 23 2007, @01:09PM (#17726078)
    Fong said that the company is banking on this attachment to keep users shelling out the monthly subscription fee for the service because failing to do so will result in the pet dying.


    If this doesn't show the cold dark heart of a corporation that peddles to children, then I don't know what does.

    • Parents are 100% responsible for their own kids, up to and including online usage. When parents bitch and moan about their kids falling victim to lester, the neighborhood molester, they have absolutely NO ONE to blame but themselves.

      I don't know about you, but I would also place some blame on Lester the Molester. There's more than enough blame to go around, you know.

      Kids don't need AI or software monitoring, they need parents to pull the plug when mommy-sight is not available.

      Or, we as parents can

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