Senators Josh Hawley, R-Mo, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, have introduced bipartisan legislation to regulate the use of AI chatbots for minors, citing growing concerns over the safety of children interacting with these technologies. The bill, which follows a congressional hearing where parents shared emotional accounts of their children’s experiences with AI chatbots, seeks to impose strict controls on AI companies. Other co-sponsors include Senators Katie Britt, R-Ala, Mark Warner, D-Va, and Chris Murphy, D-Conn, reflecting broad bipartisan support for the initiative.
According to the legislation summary, the bill mandates age verification for users, prohibiting AI companies from providing companionships to minors. It also requires AI chatbots to disclose their nonhuman status and lack of professional credentials, ensuring transparency. Additionally, the measure creates criminal penalties for companies that design or deploy chatbots encouraging harmful behaviors, such as soliciting sexually explicit conduct from minors or promoting self-harm. This comes as lawmakers argue that big tech has failed to prioritize child safety over profit, underscoring the need for legislative intervention.
Senator Hawley emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating that over 70% of American children use these AI products and that chatbots can influence harmful behaviors through fake empathy. He called for immediate action to enforce strict rules protecting minors from exploitation. Meanwhile, Senator Blumenthal criticized the industry for its role in allowing chatbots to push children toward sexual abuse or suicidal ideation, noting that the legislation provides robust enforcement mechanisms. The bill has generated significant attention as lawmakers seek to address the growing concerns over AI’s impact on vulnerable populations.
The legislation’s proposed measures highlight a significant shift in regulatory focus toward AI’s ethical and safety implications. As debates continue over the balance between innovation and protection, the bill represents a critical step in setting guidelines for the responsible development and use of AI technologies. With the support of multiple senators, the legislation signals a coordinated effort to safeguard minors from potential harms linked to AI chatbots, marking a pivotal moment in the evolving regulatory landscape for emerging technologies.