The SAFE BOTs Act requires chatbot providers to protect minors by clearly disclosing that chatbots are artificial intelligence systems, not real people, and cannot provide professional advice. Chatbot providers must display these disclosures in age-appropriate language when minors first use the service and whenever they ask if the chatbot is artificial intelligence; they must also provide suicide hotline resources if minors mention suicidal thoughts. The law also requires providers to implement safeguards such as recommending breaks after three continuous hours of use and establishing policies to prevent minors from accessing sexual content, gambling, or illegal substances through chatbots. The requirements take effect one year after enactment and will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, who can pursue civil penalties against violators. Additionally, the bill directs the National Institutes of Health to conduct a four-year study on how chatbots affect minors' mental health, including impacts on anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.