HF2715: Chatbot Regulation

Creates requirements for the deployment and operation of chatbots (AI systems simulating human conversation), focusing on protecting minors and ensuring user safety. Deployers of chatbots must prioritize user well-being, limit data collection, and implement robust age verification to prevent minors from accessing chatbots, except in narrowly defined mental health contexts with multiple safeguards. The bill grants enforcement powers to the Attorney General and allows private actions for violations involving minors.

Key Points & Impacts

• Defines key terms including 'artificial intelligence,' 'chatbot,' 'deployer,' 'minor,' 'output,' and 'reasonable age verification.'

• Requires chatbot deployers to implement and maintain protocols to detect, respond to, report, and mitigate harm to users, prioritizing user safety.

• Limits deployers to collecting and storing only user information necessary for the chatbot's stated purpose.

• Mandates deployers to implement reasonable age verification to prohibit minors from using or purchasing chatbots, with exceptions for certain mental health applications.

• Allows exceptions for chatbots designed for mental health support, provided they meet strict requirements such as professional recommendation, clear disclaimers, clinical trial data, and risk mitigation protocols.

• Empowers the Attorney General to enforce provisions, seek injunctions, and pursue civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation, or $7,500 for violating an injunction.

• Directs that civil penalties collected go to the state general fund.

• Permits parents, guardians, or custodians of minors to pursue civil penalties or actual damages if a non-compliant chatbot is used by a minor.