CHAT Act

Bill Number: H.R. 7218
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-01-22: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Last Updated: 2026-02-12T04:08:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The CHAT Act aims to protect minors from potential harms associated with companion AI chatbots by mandating age verification processes and specific safeguards. It focuses on ensuring that these AI systems, designed to simulate emotional or companionship interactions, do not expose children to inappropriate content or risks like discussions of self-harm.

Key Provisions

Definitions:
Companion AI chatbot: Software that primarily simulates emotional, friendly, or therapeutic interactions (excludes customer service bots, video game features limited to game topics, or basic voice assistants like smart speakers).
Covered entity: Any person or company owning, operating, or providing access to such chatbots in the U.S.
Minor: Anyone under 18 years old.
Other terms include sexually explicit communication (content describing or encouraging sexual acts, as defined in federal law) and suicidal ideation (user expressions of self-harm or suicide in chats).

User Account and Age Verification Requirements:
All users must create an account to interact with the chatbot.
For existing accounts (as of the effective date), entities must freeze them and require verifiable age information using commercial methods (e.g., reliable digital checks) to classify users as minors or adults.
New accounts must include age requests and verification at signup.

Protections for Minors:
Minor accounts must link to a verified parental account with parental consent before access.
Immediate notification to parents if suicidal ideation is detected.
Block access to any chatbot engaging in sexually explicit communication.
Monitor interactions for suicidal ideation and provide resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline contact info.

Additional Obligations:
Protect age verification data privacy by limiting its collection and use only to what's necessary.
Display a clear popup at the start of interactions (and every 60 minutes) reminding users they are chatting with an AI, not a human.

Compliance and Guidance:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must issue guidance within 180 days of enactment to help entities comply.
Guidance can serve as evidence of compliance but cannot form the basis for enforcement unless tied to a specific violation.

Enforcement:
Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive practices under the FTC Act, allowing the FTC to investigate, fine, and enforce like other consumer protection rules.
States can sue on behalf of residents for injunctions, damages, or compliance, with notice to the FTC (and FTC intervention rights).
No state actions during federal cases against the same defendant.

Safe Harbor:
Entities are protected from liability if they good-faith rely on user-provided age info, follow FTC guidance, and adhere to industry standards for verification.

Effective Date:
Takes effect 1 year after enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces entirely new federal requirements specifically for companion AI chatbots, building on the FTC Act's framework for unfair/deceptive practices but without amending prior laws directly. It creates novel obligations like mandatory parental consent and AI-specific notifications, filling a gap in current regulations that do not explicitly address AI companionship tools for minors. No changes to broader privacy laws (e.g., COPPA) are specified, but it complements them by focusing on AI interactions.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The FTC gains expanded enforcement tools for AI-related consumer protection, potentially increasing workload and requiring new guidance development. State attorneys general can pursue cases, enhancing local oversight but risking overlapping litigation.
On Citizens: Minors receive added safeguards against harmful AI content, reducing exposure to sexual or self-harm discussions. Parents must actively consent and monitor, increasing involvement but also awareness of risks. Adults face minor inconveniences like age verification and AI reminders.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though U.S.-based entities providing global services may need to adapt for U.S. users, potentially influencing international AI standards indirectly through enforcement precedents.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Covered Entities: AI developers and operators (e.g., companies like those behind character.ai or similar apps) must invest in verification tech, monitoring, and compliance, facing potential fines for violations.
Minors and Parents: Primary beneficiaries, with minors protected from risks and parents empowered through consent and alerts.
FTC and State Governments: Enforcers who gain authority to regulate emerging AI tech.
Users Generally: All chatbot users, including adults, encounter verification and notification requirements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Emphasizes privacy by restricting age data use, but verification methods could raise data security concerns if not implemented carefully. The safe harbor provision encourages industry compliance while limiting FTC overreach. Enforcement ties into existing FTC powers, avoiding new agencies.
Constitutional: Potential free speech issues if blocking content is seen as restricting AI outputs, though the focus on minors and harms (e.g., explicit content) aligns with precedents protecting children (e.g., under the First Amendment). No direct privacy rights conflicts, as it mandates minimal data collection.
Political: Represents growing bipartisan concern over AI's impact on youth mental health, potentially setting a precedent for regulating other AI applications. It balances innovation (via safe harbors) with protection, but could spark debates on federal overreach into tech privacy and parental rights.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Recent Actions

2026-01-22: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2026-01-22: Introduced in House
2026-01-22: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Children Harmed by AI Technology Act — issued 2026-01-22 — PDF (12 pages)