Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Champion Online Safety for Children, Warn Against AI Dangers

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ask families to join fight against predatory social media policies

NEW YORK (AP) -- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle urged parents to stand against social media companies that they said prey upon children with exploitative algorithms as the "explosion of unregulated artificial intelligence" adds to their concerns that technologies' benefits are inseparable from its dangers. To underscore that point, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cited research from advocacy group ParentsTogether that found researchers posing as children experienced harmful interactions every five minutes they spent with an artificial intelligence chatbot. "This wasn't content created by a third party. These were the companies' own chatbots working to advance their own depraved internal policies," said Prince Harry at Spring Studios in Manhattan Thursday night as he and Markle were named Humanitarians of the Year by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds. "But here's what gives us hope: these families aren't facing this alone." To build their movement of families fighting for online safety, the couple also announced Thursday that their foundation's Parents Network would join forces with ParentsTogether. Their remarks came at the annual gala for Project Healthy Minds, a Millennial- and Gen Z-driven tech nonprofit that runs a free online marketplace aiming to connect patients with the exact mental health care they seek. The couple has made youth mental health a cornerstone of their philanthropic work since launching the Archewell Foundation in 2020 after stepping aside as working royals. Through its network for families who have experienced online harm and support of youth-led organizations shaping responsible technology, the nonprofit works to make digital spaces safer. Prince Harry has previously stressed the need to hold powerful social media companies accountable. He warned last year that young people are experiencing an "epidemic" of anxiety, depression and social isolation driven by negative experiences online. According to numerous studies, few guardrails exist to mitigate kids' exposure to age-inappropriate content including pornography and violence on social media, where they also face cyberbullying and sexual harassment. The issue could also be considered personal for the couple. Markle has been open about her mental health struggles due to what she describes as the royal family's intense pressures and tabloid attacks. Harry's own personal life has been the subject of much tabloid reporting, including targeted phone hacking and surveillance. Prince Harry brought his awareness campaign to a reception Wednesday night hosted by men's health nonprofit Movember. In a conversation with television journalist Brooke Baldwin, he emphasized that men should not feel isolated because he repeatedly hears the same struggles when he speaks with them. "The biggest barrier is the belief that no one will understand," he said in comments reshared on his blog. "Loneliness convinces you you're the only one, which is rarely true." "Culture makers" such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are important voices in mental health conversations because they inspire their enormous audiences to seek care, according to Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer. But Schermer emphasized that the "moment of inspiration is fleeting" and it's important for celebrities to take the extra step of partnering with trusted organizations that can actually deliver care. He pointed to NBC television personality Carson Daly, the gala's host, as an example. Daly opened up about his own anxiety on the air after reading a 2018 essay by NBA champion Kevin Love about an in-game panic attack. Daly, a Project Healthy Minds board member, said mental health is now the most common topic that comes up when fans recognize him in public. "I was like, 'I want to put all my eggs in this basket' because I see the power even when I tell my story, it unlocks so many other people telling their story," Daly told the Associated Press. "And I think that process -- that's how the destigmatization works." The money raised Thursday night will help the nonprofit build new filters that break down care options by their insurance providers and preferences for in-person or telehealth service options, according to Schermer. He compared the features to those on travel planning sites such as Expedia that allow users to choose the times, prices and airlines of their flight options. Schermer said that having a recognizable host in Daly also helps "make it cool to talk about your emotions." "It's not just the absence of a stigma," Schermer said. "It's also the presence of a sense of pride that by being vulnerable, being honest, being open, that that's actually your greatest superpower." Thursday night's other honoree was Indianapolis Colts co-owner and chief brand officer Kalen Jackson. The NFL executive -- who talks openly about dealing with anxiety -- has continued the team's staunch support for mental health after the death of her father and beloved former owner Jim Irsay. Project Healthy Minds recognized Jackson with its inaugural Sports Visionary of the Year Award, presented by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Jackson leads her family's Kicking The Stigma initiative, which raises awareness about mental health disorders and tries to expand access to care across Indiana and country. ______ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle ask families to join fight against predatory social media policies

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle called on parents to oppose social media firms that exploit children through harmful algorithms. They highlighted the risks of unregulated AI, citing research showing children frequently face damaging interactions with chatbots. Their foundation will partner with ParentsTogether to promote online safety for families. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle urged parents to stand against social media companies that they said prey upon children with exploitative algorithms as the "explosion of unregulated artificial intelligence" adds to their concerns that technologies' benefits are inseparable from its dangers. To underscore that point, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cited research from advocacy group ParentsTogether that found researchers posing as children experienced harmful interactions every five minutes they spent with an artificial intelligence chatbot. "This wasn't content created by a third party. These were the companies' own chatbots working to advance their own depraved internal policies," said Prince Harry at Spring Studios in Manhattan Thursday night as he and Markle were named Humanitarians of the Year by the non-profit Project Healthy Minds. "But here's what gives us hope: these families aren't facing this alone." To build their movement of families fighting for online safety, the couple also announced Thursday that their foundation's Parents Network would join forces with ParentsTogether. Their remarks came at the annual gala for Project Healthy Minds, a Millennial- and Gen Z-driven tech non-profit that runs a free online marketplace aiming to connect patients with the exact mental health care they seek. The couple has made youth mental health a cornerstone of their philanthropic work since launching the Archewell Foundation in 2020 after stepping aside as working royals. Through its network for families who have experienced online harm and support of youth-led organisations shaping responsible technology, the nonprofit works to make digital spaces safer. Prince Harry has previously stressed the need to hold powerful social media companies accountable. He warned last year that young people are experiencing an "epidemic" of anxiety, depression and social isolation driven by negative experiences online. According to numerous studies, few guardrails exist to mitigate kids' exposure to age-inappropriate content including pornography and violence on social media, where they also face cyberbullying and sexual harassment. The issue could also be considered personal for the couple. Markle has been open about her mental health struggles due to what she describes as the royal family's intense pressures and tabloid attacks. Harry's own personal life has been the subject of much tabloid reporting, including targeted phone hacking and surveillance. Prince Harry brought his awareness campaign to a reception Wednesday night hosted by men's health non-profit Movember. In a conversation with television journalist Brooke Baldwin, he emphasised that men should not feel isolated because he repeatedly hears the same struggles when he speaks with them. "The biggest barrier is the belief that no one will understand," he said in comments reshared on his blog. "Loneliness convinces you you're the only one, which is rarely true." "Culture makers" such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are important voices in mental health conversations because they inspire their enormous audiences to seek care, according to Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer. But Schermer emphasised that the "moment of inspiration is fleeting" and it's important for celebrities to take the extra step of partnering with trusted organisations that can actually deliver care. He pointed to NBC television personality Carson Daly, the gala's host, as an example. Daly opened up about his own anxiety on the air after reading a 2018 essay by NBA champion Kevin Love about an in-game panic attack. Daly, a Project Healthy Minds board member, said mental health is now the most common topic that comes up when fans recognise him in public. "I was like, 'I want to put all my eggs in this basket' because I see the power even when I tell my story, it unlocks so many other people telling their story," Daly told the Associated Press. "And I think that process - that's how the destigmatisation works." The money raised Thursday night will help the non-profit build new filters that break down care options by their insurance providers and preferences for in-person or telehealth service options, according to Schermer. He compared the features to those on travel planning sites such as Expedia that allow users to choose the times, prices and airlines of their flight options. Schermer said that having a recognisable host in Daly also helps "make it cool to talk about your emotions." "It's not just the absence of a stigma," Schermer said. "It's also the presence of a sense of pride that by being vulnerable, being honest, being open, that that's actually your greatest superpower." Thursday night's other honouree was Indianapolis Colts co-owner and chief brand officer Kalen Jackson. The NFL executive - who talks openly about dealing with anxiety - has continued the team's staunch support for mental health after the death of her father and beloved former owner Jim Irsay. Project Healthy Minds recognised Jackson with its inaugural Sports Visionary of the Year Award, presented by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Jackson leads her family's Kicking The Stigma initiative, which raises awareness about mental health disorders and tries to expand access to care across Indiana and country.

Harry and Meghan's 'pivotal' mission revealed

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have used an award speech to take aim at tech companies and warned that children face serious harm from unregulated AI. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out in Manhattan on Thursday evening to attend the Project Healthy Minds' Humanitarians of the Year Awards. The ex-working royals walked hand-in-hand on the red carpet before heading inside to accept the "Humanitarians of the Year" gong. Markle stunned in a sharp black pant suit by Giorgio Armani that featured a plunging neckline and carried a matching Armani clutch bag while Harry wore a classic tuxedo. On stage, the Sussexes utilised the platform to give a warning about the dangers of rapidly evolving technologies on children, including AI and social media. "Our children Archie and Lili are just six- and four-years-old," Markle said. "Can you believe it? "Luckily still too young for social media but we know that day is coming, and like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology's benefits while safeguarding against the dangers." Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex Harry urged the world to focus on "one of the most pressing issues of our time" and end the exploitation of children online. "This is a pivotal moment in our collective mission to protect children and support families in the digital age, and we cannot do it without you," Harry said. Harry, 41, referred to data from the ParentsTogether advocacy group that found children are exposed to harmful interactions with AI chatbots every five minutes. "This wasn't content created by a third party," Harry said. "These were the companies' own chatbots working to advance their own depraved internal policies. "But here's what gives us hope: these families aren't facing this alone." Following the speech, Harry and Meghan will attend Project Healthy Minds' fourth annual World Mental Health Day on Friday. The Sussexes will also team up with Project Healthy Minds to co-produce a series of "conversations on how people can make a difference" in partnership with their Archewell Foundation. "Working with families and young people to prioritise safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives," the former working royals said in a statement. "As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honoured to support them."