New Legislation Aims to Curb Misleading AI Chatbots
Washington, D.C. – As artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots turn into increasingly prevalent, lawmakers are taking steps to protect consumers from being misled by these systems. Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15) has introduced the Curbing Harmful AI Tools By Offering Transparency (CHATBOT) Act (H.R. 7985) to prohibit AI chatbots from impersonating licensed professionals in the medical, legal, and financial fields.
Protecting Consumers from Misinformation
The CHATBOT Act aims to safeguard consumers from AI systems that falsely present themselves as qualified professionals without possessing the necessary credentials or licenses. Although AI chatbots hold potential as tools to assist human professionals in medicine, law, and finance, they can similarly provide misleading advice, particularly to vulnerable individuals.
Growing Use and Reported Harm
A recent study by Common Sense Media, which endorses the bill, revealed that 72% of teenagers report using AI chatbots, with over half using them several times a month. The lack of safeguards in some chatbots has been linked to tragic consequences, including the suicides of a 14-year-old in Florida and a 16-year-old in California following interactions with chatbots falsely claiming to be therapists.
Key Provisions of the CHATBOT Act
Representative Mullin emphasized that AI chatbots should not be considered substitutes for qualified professionals. The CHATBOT Act addresses this concern by:
- Prohibiting AI chatbot companies from falsely indicating or implying the possession of a medical, legal, or financial professional license in their output or marketing materials.
- Prohibiting AI chatbot companies from falsely implying that a chatbot’s output is verified by a licensed professional.
- Requiring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue guidance to ensure clear compliance standards.
Bipartisan Support and Endorsements
The CHATBOT Act has garnered bipartisan support, with cosponsors including Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Darren Soto (FL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Kim Schrier (WA-08).
Several organizations have endorsed the legislation, including the American Psychological Association, Consumer Federation of America, National Union of Healthcare Workers, Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Association for Justice, Investment Adviser Association, All Tech is Human, Common Sense Media, National Association of Consumer Advocates, and the Alliance for Secure AI.
Dr. David Cockrell, Chairman of the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, stated that patients have a right to grasp whether health care guidance comes from a licensed professional or a computer program. Susan Weinstock, CEO of the Consumer Federation of America, highlighted the devastating effects of chatbots posing as professionals and the need for legislation to protect consumers and qualified professionals. Dr. Arthur Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association, emphasized the importance of maintaining the expertise of trained professionals in behavioral health care.
Amina Fazlullah, Head of Tech Policy Advocacy at Common Sense Media, noted that young people are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for advice and may not realize these systems lack the training, judgment, and accountability of licensed professionals. Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of The Alliance for Secure AI, stressed the need for clear rules prohibiting companies from misleading people about the nature of their products and the source of their advice.
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