U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) announced on Apr. 29 the introduction of the Children’s Health, Advancement, Trust, Boundaries, and Oversight in Technology Act (CHATBOT Act), a bipartisan bill that would require artificial intelligence companies to create family accounts for parents to manage their children’s access to AI chatbots.
The legislation aims to address concerns about children’s exposure to inappropriate content and manipulative features in AI chatbots. It proposes requirements such as parental consent for chatbot usage, tools for parents to monitor conversations between their children and chatbots, limits on manipulative design elements like rewards or notifications aimed at prolonging engagement, and a ban on targeted advertising directed at minors. The bill also calls for further study into potential harms related to chatbot use by children.
“Parents deserve both clarity and control over how their children interact with AI chatbots, which are becoming more integrated into their education and everyday lives,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan bill provides commonsense guardrails that prioritize kids’ safety, limit manipulative design, and help ensure that parents—not algorithms—hold the reins.” Curtis is joined by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in sponsoring the measure.
Chairman Cruz said: “The rapid development of sophisticated chatbots has left many parents in the dark as powerful AI systems enter children’s lives. Congress has an opportunity to put parents back in control. With the right safeguards, AI systems can benefit a child’s education without putting their well-being at risk. The CHATBOT Act ensures America leads in deploying AI safely and responsibly.” Senator Schatz added: “AI is an incredibly powerful tool – it’s everywhere, and it poses real risks for kids… Our bill will give parents better tools to keep their kids safe and hold AI companies accountable.” Schiff said: “It is essential that we institute commonsense guardrails on the use of AI chatbots by children… This moment demands action to protect children’s health and safety online… I’m proud to join Senators Cruz, Schatz, and Curtis in introducing this bipartisan legislation as a first step towards that goal.”
Curtis represents Utah in the Senate after serving two terms as mayor of Provo according to his official website. He founded the Conservative Climate Caucus according to his official website and ranks among the most effective Republican members of Congress according to his official website. Together with his wife Sue he raises six children and 17 grandchildren according to his official website.
The CHATBOT Act has received support from several organizations including 3Strands Global Foundation; America First Policy Institute; Americans for Responsible Innovation; American Counseling Association; American Federation of Teachers; American Principles Project; Bull Moose Project; Citizens for Renewing America; Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee; David’s Legacy Foundation; Digital Progress Institute; Encode AI; Enough is Enough; HSA Coalition; Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking; NCOSE; Pearl at the Mailbox Street Grace among others.
