Ben
CTO
Ben is the Co-Founder and Head of Technology at HeyOtto, where he leads the technical architecture behind a safety-first AI platform for families. He has a background in cybersecurity, infrastructure design, and secure system development in the banking industry, working on highly regulated financial systems where security, reliability, and data protection are critical. At HeyOtto, he applies that same rigor to building AI systems for children—leading platform infrastructure, real-time safety systems, and privacy-focused architecture. His focus is ensuring security and safety are built into the system from the ground up.
Content by Ben
Blog Posts
Youth AI Privacy Act: What It Means for Kids & Parents
Senator Markey’s Youth AI Privacy Act would ban training AI on kids’ data, ad targeting, and addictive design for minors. Here’s what it means for families — and for HeyOtto.
CHOP Says AI Can Benefit Kids — But Only With the Right Safeguards. Here's What That Actually Means.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia say AI is beneficial for kids — with the right safeguards. Here's what that actually means, and where the AI industry keeps falling short.
The Complete Guide to Screen Time for Kids (2026): What Every Parent Needs to Know
Jan. 2026, the AAP dropped the 1 hr model entirely. This guide breaks down the new guidelines, what the research actually says and how parents can build a healthy digital life.
My Kid Is Already Using AI. Now What?
Most parents find out their child has been using AI long after it started. If that's you, you're not behind — you're exactly where most families are. Here's what to do next.
Is Character AI Safe for Kids? What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2026
An honest, research-backed guide for parents on Character AI's real safety risks, explicit content, emotional dependency, no parental controls. Why HeyOtto is the safer AI alternative.
Most Parents Think AI Fluency Will Be Essential. Here's What That Means—And How You Can Help.
A major new Common Sense Media report finds most parents and kids expect AI fluency to be a non-negotiable skill by adulthood. Here’s what that means — and how to foster proficiency, not dependency.
Character.AI Just Settled. Here's What Every Parent Needs to Know.
Google and Character.AI have agreed to settle lawsuits from families whose children died after using the platform. Here's what happened, why it keeps happening, and what every parent should ask.
The KIDS Act Doesn’t Protect Kids—It Makes Them Invisible
Congress is right to act on AI and children. But restriction-based legislation doesn’t make kids safer — it makes them invisible.
When "Safe" AI Isn't Safe Enough: What Every Parent Needs to Know About the California School Incident
In December 2025, a fourth-grader at a Los Angeles elementary school used Adobe Express for Education to illustrate a book report. The AI generated sexualized images.
Why 2026 is the Year of "Parent-First" AI: A Guide to Safe AI Chat for Kids
A deep dive into why HeyOtto is the leading safe AI for kids, focusing on parental controls, family values, and Socratic learning.
Resources & Articles
Product Launch: HeyOtto Is Now Available on iOS and Android
HeyOtto is now available on iOS and Android. Download the safe AI app for kids and teens with parental controls at heyotto.app/download.
The Parent's Complete Guide to AI Literacy for Kids: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Actually Teach It
A practical parent's guide to AI literacy: what LLMs are, why it matters by age, Socratic habits, prompts, fact-checking, privacy, and how to pick AI tools for kids — from the HeyOtto team.
HeyOtto Memories: Build a Deeper Understanding of Your Child
Learn how HeyOtto's Memories feature captures your child's interests, milestones, emotions, and learning moments so parents can stay connected.
AI Laws Protecting Kids in 2026: Every New Law and Bill Parents Need to Know
States are racing to regulate AI chatbots after a wave of teen tragedies and landmark lawsuits. Here's a breakdown of every new laws that affects your child and what it means for your family.
How to Set Up and Personalize HeyOtto for Your Family
Learn how to personalize Otto's conversations, boundaries, and tone to match your family's values and parenting style.