My name is Zachary Schutzer and I am a senior at Blind Brook High School in Rye Brook, New York. Recently, I have been doing research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a school project. 

The California State Assembly passed the Anti-Eavesdropping Act. This bill bans “smart speakers” from collecting what the device hears unless the user deliberately allows for this setting to be turned on. No one wants to get spied on by a seemingly harmless device. This bill is essential in protecting the privacy of New Yorkers. I urge our state legislature to pass a bill very similar to this one as the privacy of all people should be protected, especially in their own homes. Would you want technology companies knowing your personal conversations? Of course not, who would! This is the exact reason I plead for an act that protects the users privacy.

This act is important because AI is extremely beneficial in many aspects so we cannot just abandon the products. I will quickly run through 5 advantages of AI that I came upon in my research. AI has allowed for diagnosing disease to become easier and also more cost effective. For many diseases such as Cancer, it is vital that the Cancer is stopped as early as possible, which is why accurate and quick diagnosis is crucial. Next, AI can help limit the use of environmental resources as AI is able to sort through recyclable materials more productively. A third plus to AI is it can allow for more accurate predictions of natural disasters which can save so many lives. The more preparation for a natural disaster the better, so being able to alert the public as quickly as possible is essential. AI can also improve education all across the globe. AI can allow for 24/7 tutoring as the AI systems are able to be trained to become experts in a field. This means children who do not feel the schooling system is the best way to learn can have extra assistance from AI technology. Last but not least, AI can lower the risk of injury for workers. Robots can replace some of these dangerous jobs such as fixing machinery. Also, bomb disposal or being in environments with toxins in the air can be done by robots. While these are many great benefits, there is still some major security concerns with AI technology. 

Thank you for your time and consideration

Zach Schutzer