The proposed legislation, known as the Saving Human Connection Act, aims to enhance consumer protection in the context of generative artificial intelligence systems. It establishes definitions for key terms such as "adult," "covered platform," "chatbot," and "human-like feature," among others. The Act mandates that covered platforms implement measures to prevent minors from interacting with chatbots that exhibit human-like features, including age verification systems and default settings that limit access to such features. Additionally, the Act requires regular disclosures to users about the non-human nature of chatbots and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing user safety and psychological well-being.
Enforcement of the Act will be the responsibility of the Attorney General, with penalties for non-compliance including civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation and potential injunctions. The legislation also allows adults and guardians of minors to pursue civil actions against non-compliant platforms, seeking damages ranging from $100 to $10,000 per incident. The Act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part is deemed invalid, the remaining sections will still be enforceable.