SAFE BOTs Act

This bill aims to protect minors by regulating chatbot providers, requiring specific disclosures to users under 17 years old and the establishment of policies addressing potential harms. It ensures that minors understand they are interacting with an artificial intelligence system , not a human, and that the chatbot cannot provide advice from licensed professionals unless such a statement is true. Chatbot providers must clearly and conspicuously disclose the AI nature of the system at the first interaction and whenever prompted by a minor user. They are also required to provide resources for suicide and crisis intervention hotlines if a minor user prompts the chatbot about suicide or suicidal ideation. Furthermore, providers must implement policies that advise minors to take breaks after three hours of continuous interaction and to address harmful content such as sexual material harmful to minors, gambling, and the distribution of illegal substances. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with enforcing these provisions, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices, with States also empowered to bring civil actions. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a four-year longitudinal study on the risks and benefits of chatbots concerning the mental health of minors, including aspects like loneliness, anxiety, and self-harm, with a report to Congress required upon completion.