EP. 003 | Angela Paxton on AI, Protecting Kids & Big Tech Accountability

Texas State Senator **Angela Paxton** joins host Randan Steinhauser on Episode 003 of Guardrails: The AI Watchdog Podcast to discuss AI safety, parental rights, Big Tech accountability, and the future of artificial intelligence in Texas. With AI chatbots and companion apps becoming increasingly accessible to children, are lawmakers doing enough to protect families? Sen. Paxton, who championed Texas' App Store Accountability Act, discusses the risks of addictive technology, the growing loneliness epidemic, and the importance of keeping parents in control of their children's digital lives. The conversation also explores the explosion of AI data centers across Texas, concerns over electricity and water consumption, and why local communities deserve greater transparency from the companies building them. **In this episode:** - Why AI companions could threaten real human relationships - Protecting children from addictive and manipulative technology - Texas' App Store Accountability Act and parental consent - Why AI products need safety testing before deployment - The impact of AI data centers on Texas communities - Keeping humans accountable for decisions involving AI Can we embrace technological innovation without sacrificing child safety, parental authority, and human connection? Subscribe for more conversations with lawmakers, policy experts, and leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence. **About Guardrails:** Guardrails: The AI Watchdog Pod, presented by The Alliance for Secure AI, features host Randan Steinhauser in conversations with leaders across government, technology, and culture about building a human-centered future in the age of AI. *The Alliance for Secure AI* is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to ensure artificial intelligence is developed with strong safeguards that protect national security, civil liberties, and the public. We support research, education, and public awareness on AI risks and oversight. Learn more: secureainow.org Follow us on **Instagram**: instagram.com/secureainow Follow us on **X**: x.com/secureainow