Prince Harry issues chilling AI warning after King's support for AI innovation

Prince Harry has issued a stark warning about the way artificial intelligence could affect young people. 

His comments come shortly after King Charles voiced his support for the responsible development of AI, calling for the technology to be developed with safety at its heart.

Speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, the Duke of Sussex focused on the growing use of AI chatbots by children and the potential risks of allowing technology to become intertwined with their emotional lives.

“Social media learned how to capture our attention. AI is learning how to enter our relationships,” Harry said.

He went on to describe AI as the “ultimate sycophant”, warning that chatbots are increasingly designed to remember users, respond to their needs and create the impression that they understand them.

“It doesn't just want your attention, it wants your attachment,” he said. 

“It wants to be the thing you confide in. It remembers you. The thing that tells you it understands you. The ultimate sycophant. For a child, that distinction matters enormously.”

He argued that while progress has been made in limiting children's exposure to social media and holding technology companies accountable, AI has already moved the conversation into new territory.

“Technology is moving on. Fast,” he warned.

The Duke also referred to legal action alleging that artificial technology played a role in the deaths of teenagers who had turned to the systems with deeply personal questions. 

His concern centred not only on what children see online, but on the relationships they may begin to form with machines.