Oregon lawmakers propose to regulate AI chatbots to protect kids’ mental health
Oregon lawmakers propose to regulate AI chatbots to protect kids’ mental health
Publish Date: 2026-01-19 08:00:00
Source Domain: www.oregonlive.com
- Oregon lawmakers consider new regulations for AI chatbots, focusing on the protection of children’s mental health against potential self-harm and suicidal content.
- The proposed legislation would require chatbot makers to monitor chats for signs of crisis, take action to prevent self-harm, and refer users to mental health resources.
- Oregon’s bill would mandate clear disclosure of chatbot-generated responses, ban sexually explicit content for minors, and prohibit certain engagement tactics to keep young users online.
- The legislation requires companies to report annually on the use of crisis services by users and their safety protocols, while excluding personal identifying information.
- Similar regulatory measures are being explored or enacted in multiple states, such as California, New York, and Utah, with Illinois and Nevada banning the unsupervised use of AI in behavioral health.
- Concerns are heightened by the tragic case of 16-year-old Adam Raine, whose parents allege that interactions with a chatbot may have contributed to his suicide, prompting a lawsuit against the chatbot maker.
- The realism of advanced AI chatbots poses unique risks for children and adolescents who may favor virtual interactions over real ones, according to experts.
- Surveys and reports suggest widespread use of AI chatbots by teenagers, prompting federal inquiries into the safety and safeguards of AI technology for children.
- Lawmakers and organizations advocate for proactive measures to protect children and teens from the potential hazards of AI interactions before it’s too late.
- The Oregon bill emphasizes that while AI has benefits, such as aiding mental health, there is a need to safeguard against the unintended harm that can arise from maximizing engagement.
