Macron backs AI bans where children face risks

French President Emmanuel Macron said artificial intelligence should be banned wherever certain uses pose risks to children's mental health.

“If there is a risk for children with certain uses of AI, then it must be banned,” Macron told Les Echos in an interview published before the expected adoption of a charter at the Paris Peace Forum.

Macron, who is also pushing for a ban on certain social networks for people under 15, said AI should not be treated as “the Wild West.” He said bans should apply when AI threatened children's mental health or their brains.

An expert committee is due to present recommendations to Macron on Tuesday on protection from AI risks. Macron's office said a charter intended to inform French and European legislative debates would involve companies including OpenAI and Anthropic.

Macron said companies would accept the principle of pre-audits and pre-certification, with reviews of models before they are put in children's hands.

He said the aim was to build a framework covering dangers to children, democratic security and national security. Macron also held a videoconference with heads of government, international organisations, companies, researchers and laboratories on AI risks to collective security.