University of South Carolina Convenes Free Safe AI Workshop for Seniors
The University of South Carolina AI Institute will host its second annual “Safe AI for Seniors” workshop on Friday, 23 October 2026, in Columbia. Organised by the universityβs institutional AI4Society research group, the free hybrid event delivers digital safety training to help older adults recognize automated cybersecurity scams.
programme Logistics and Delivery Formats
The upcoming educational assembly is scheduled to run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EDT at the main research facility on the fifth floor of 1112 Greene Street in Columbia, South Carolina. To accommodate participants across the region, organizers are facilitating real-time remote participation via a digital streaming platform alongside the physical on-site sessions.
The workshop is free, with registration available through the organizer’s official Eventbrite listing. The event is organized by AI4Society in collaboration with the university’s AI Institute and community partners, under the direction of Dr. Biplav Srivastava.
Organizers say the workshop will provide older adults with practical knowledge and hands-on experience related to safe and responsible AI use. The inaugural 2025 event included expert panels, demonstrations, discussions, and games, providing a model for the university’s continuing outreach initiative.
Curriculum Focus and Risk Mitigation
The workshop curriculum focuses on practical digital safety frameworks specifically tailored for citizens aged 55 and older. The AI4Society Research Group Project Index workshop website describes how participants at the 2025 event discussed the benefits of AI tools, including writing assistance and translation, alongside concerns about privacy, misinformation, and inaccurate health information.
Organizers say the 2026 workshop will address concerns involving health, cybersecurity, and climate change. The university’s previous event also explored data privacy, misleading AI-generated content, and inaccurate medical information, illustrating the types of risks affecting older adults.
π What to Watch Next
The scheduled workshop sessions are set to commence at 9:30 AM EDT on 23 October 2026, with digital streaming channels opening concurrently for remote participants. The workshop follows the university’s inaugural November 2025 event, extending its efforts to improve AI awareness and digital safety among older adults.
Key Story Metrics & Analytical Comparison
| Subject / Element | Confirmed Detail | Role / Context | Official Source / Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event Date | 23 October 2026 | Main workshop session schedule | Eventbrite Registry |
| Target Demographic | Ages 55 and older | Intended audience threshold | AI4Society Project Index |
| Operational Hours | 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EDT | Daily duration of hybrid programme | Eventbrite Registry |
| Admission Cost | Β£0.00 / $0.00 | Free public registration tier | Eventbrite Registry |
| Physical Coordinate | 1112 Greene Street | AI Institute fifth floor facility | AI4Society Project Index |