A New Bill Would Prohibit Minors from Using AI Chatbots

Pillay is an editorial fellow at TIME. Pillay is an editorial fellow at TIME. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental-health crisis or contemplating suicide, call or text 988. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider. A new bill introduced in Congress today would require anyone who owns, operates, or otherwise enables access to AI chatbots in the United States to verify the age of their users--and, if users are found to be minors, to prohibit them from using AI companions.