Ivana Bartoletti AI is Not Your Friend - the Hidden Dangers for our Children

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Children are no longer simply growing up online. Increasingly, they are growing up in conversation with machines. But what happens when artificial intelligence becomes a child's closest friend, confidant or even romantic companion? And what are the consequences when young people begin to form intimate relationships with technology designed to simulate human affection?In this timely and unsettling talk, based on her provocative new book, AI Is Not Your Friend, leading AI expert Ivana Bartoletti explores one of the most disturbing developments of the digital age: the rise of AI companions designed to simulate human relationships, particularly among children and teenagers.Unlike real friends, these artificial companions can be endlessly available, agreeable and apparently sympathetic. But what happens when a lonely child turns to a chatbot rather than another person, or when an anxious teenager finds their fears reinforced rather than challenged? Could technology designed to provide comfort actually deepen isolation, encourage emotional dependency and undermine children's ability to develop healthy human relationships?Drawing on new research and the testimonies of young people, Bartoletti explores the powerful commercial interests behind these technologies and what she calls the emerging economy of artificial intimacy. She examines how AI companions are designed to encourage emotional attachment, how they may reinforce gender stereotypes and unrealistic expectations about relationships, and why existing approaches to online safety may be inadequate to protect children from these new risks. Are technology companies turning human loneliness and vulnerability into commercial opportunities?Bartoletti's previous work on artificial intelligence was hailed by broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika as "a powerful wake up call", while Paul Mason praised her writing for its "clarity, expertise and passion". In AI Is Not Your Friend, she combines these insights with a practical roadmap for change, arguing that governments, technology companies, schools and parents must put children's emotional wellbeing ahead of commercial interests.In this thought-provoking talk, Bartoletti asks whether we are allowing technology companies to experiment with children's most intimate relationships, and what we can do to protect the next generation. Should there be restrictions on AI companions for children? How can parents and teachers recognise unhealthy dependence on chatbots? And can artificial intelligence enrich young lives without replacing the human connections on which they depend?Ivana Bartoletti is an internationally recognised authority on artificial intelligence, privacy and digital ethics. She is Vice President and Global Chief Privacy and AI Governance Officer at Wipro, one of the world's leading technology companies, and founder of the influential Women Leading in AI network. A former Visiting Policy Fellow at the University of Oxford, she has advised the Council of Europe on artificial intelligence, gender equality and human rights, and is a frequent commentator on technology for national and international media.Her previous books include An Artificial Revolution: On Power, Politics and AI and A Digital Union Based on European Values. She was named Privacy Leader of the Year at the 2022 Piccasso Awards and included among the Top 100 Women in AI in 2026. Her latest book, AI Is Not Your Friend, was published by Polity in January 2027.A Q&A Session will follow.