CHAT Act

H.R. 7218, the Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act, would establish federal requirements for artificial intelligence chatbots that simulate friendship, companionship, or emotional interaction. If enacted, the bill would require companies operating these chatbots to verify users' ages, obtain parental consent for minors, and implement various safety measures. Companies would need to display notifications every 60 minutes reminding users they are interacting with an AI system, not a human. The bill would also require chatbot providers to block minors from accessing sexually explicit content and to monitor conversations for signs of suicidal ideation, providing crisis resources when detected. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these requirements and issue guidance within 180 days of enactment. Companies that rely in good faith on user-provided age information and follow industry standards would have liability protections. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.