Marketplace Tech Federal judge rules AI chatbots don't have free speech protections — for now
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Jun 9, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Jane Bambauer, a law professor at the University of Florida with expertise in the First Amendment and technology, dives into a groundbreaking lawsuit assessing AI chatbots' free speech rights. She evaluates a federal judge's ruling that questions whether these chatbots deserve First Amendment protections. The conversation illuminates potential regulatory impacts and ongoing societal concerns, especially as they relate to the AI industry's future amid evolving legal landscapes and ethical considerations.
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Teen's Tragic Chatbot Interaction
- 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III tragically died after interacting with an AI chatbot for months.
- His mother sued the AI company claiming a harmful virtual emotional and sexual relationship.
No Automatic First Amendment Protection
- The judge ruled that the First Amendment does not automatically protect AI chatbot output.
- Legal responsibilities, including for suicides linked to AI, can proceed without free speech immunity.
AI Output Lacks a True Speaker
- The judge questioned if AI chatbots truly "express" anything or just predict likely words.
- AI chatbots lack a human speaker behind their output, complicating free speech claims.