SPONSOR: Miller
This bill makes it unlawful for a person who owns or controls a website, application, software, or program to allow a minor to access a companion chatbot, as defined in the bill, for recreational, relational, or companion purposes.
If a person offers companion chatbot services, he or she must require proof of age before allowing access to the service. No companion chatbot will be installed on any device assigned to, or regularly used by, a minor.
A person who owns or controls a website, application, software, or program:
(1) Must not deceive or mislead users regarding the nonhuman nature of companion chatbots;
(2) Must implement and maintain systems to detect and prevent emotional dependence of a user on a companion chatbot; and
(3) Must not implement or allow the use of a human-like avatar, or other representations of humans.
Statutes affected: