What if our voice assistants became mandated reporters, and had to report child abuse?

What Is a Mandated Reporter?

In legal terms, a mandated reporter is a particular professional who has frequent contact with children. That individual is required to notify the authorities when there’s reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse. Each state has different standards for this. The types of people who are mandated to report child abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Social workers

• School personnel like teachers, principals, nurses, and others

• Health care workers, such as doctors and nurses

• Mental health professionals

• Child care providers

• Medical examiners and coroners

• Law enforcement officers

Now, you might be wondering how this can apply to something like Alexa or Siri. After all, these are software constructs, not some professional who has frequent contact with children. There are other professions that fall into the category of a mandated reporter in some states, though. In 12 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico, companies that process and/or print photographs have to report child abuse. In six states, even computer technicians have to notify the authorities when they suspect child abuse.

How Can Siri or Alexa Be Forced to Report Child Abuse?

In the case of the Echo lineup of devices, Alexa is always listening. Granted, the voice assistant doesn’t respond or start recording and transmitting data to Amazon right away. In fact, that doesn’t happen until the wake word is heard, but the device is always listening. If the Siri Speaker comes to fruition, that device will likely do the same thing.

Children love these voice assistants. They’ve come to view Alexa and Siri as a friend, and many children see the disembodied assistants as trusted friends. I’m sure most of us have seen viral videos of children carrying on lengthy conversations with Siri or Alexa. The reality of children seeing these voice assistants as friends is already there.

Source: macobserver