GovState social work program part of history with new state law passed
New law bans artificial intelligence (AI) posing as therapists
By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
With the recent passage of a historic law in Illinois banning chatbots posing as therapists, Governors State University (GovState) social work students are celebrating their successful advocacy efforts for the bill.
Latesha Newson (pictured far right, front row), University Lecturer of Social Work at GovState, led the charge to have this bill passed as the immediate past president of the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She said part of the urgency came from hearing about reports of young teenagers taking their own lives after seeking therapeutic advice from chatbots.
The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources (WOPR) Act safeguards mental health care by putting regulations in place to prevent potential harm caused by artificial intelligence (AI) expanding unchecked, explained Newson. She emphasized that Illinois is the first state in the country to pass this type of legislation and that it was passed unanimously with bipartisan support in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.
“The significance of this bill is social workers and counselors spend a lot of money and time getting education to learn about the different ways of intervention and treatment, and for current society to think that an AI chatbot can replace therapists and social workers is very ridiculous,” said Newson. “It’s not equipped to actually help individuals process through traumatic events.”
Knowing the negative impact that AI has had on people’s lives motivated Newson and the students to bring the WOPR Act to the legislative table at Advocacy Day in Springfield, Illinois earlier this year. The annual trip brings social work students from different schools across the state together to collectively meet on the same pieces of legislation.
“Our students were very passionate about taking this bill to Springfield to push for the ban of AI therapy in Illinois,” said Newson, who noted that GovState had the highest attendance of all organizations present that day with 51 students and faculty.
GovState has attended Advocacy Day for years, going back to when Newson attended as a student in 2011. “GovState has a rich legacy in policy making and policy advocacy in Springfield,” said Newson.
She spoke to the importance of attending events like Advocacy Day, adding that it’s necessary to stay aware of what’s happening, both in and outside the social work profession, to consider the overall picture of how people are impacted by laws and policies.
“We often talk to our students about how we are called to help those who are most vulnerable, those who are voiceless, and those who are oppressed,” said Newson. “It’s important as social workers that we be that voice for the voiceless.”
