Bill > HR7218

This bill, known as the Children Harmed by AI Technology Act or CHAT Act, aims to protect minors interacting with "companion AI chatbots," which are defined as artificial intelligence programs designed primarily for emotional interaction or companionship, excluding customer service bots or those within video games. The bill mandates that companies offering these chatbots (referred to as "covered entities") must require users to create accounts and implement age verification processes for both new and existing accounts, using commercially available methods to ensure accuracy. If a user is identified as a minor (under 18), their account must be linked to a verified parental account, and verifiable parental consent is required before the minor can use the chatbot. Furthermore, parents must be immediately notified of any interactions involving suicidal ideation, and minors will be blocked from chatbots engaging in sexually explicit communication. Covered entities are also required to monitor for suicidal ideation and provide resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and to clearly notify users with a "popup" (a visible notification) that they are interacting with an AI, not a human, at the start of and periodically during conversations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with issuing guidance for compliance within 180 days of enactment, and violations will be treated as unfair or deceptive practices, with enforcement powers granted to the FTC and state attorneys general. The bill also includes a "safe harbor" provision, meaning a company may not be held liable if it demonstrates good faith reliance on user-provided age information, compliance with FTC guidance, and adherence to industry best practices for age verification.