Ohio bill would fine AI companies if chatbots are found to promote dangerous behavior
Ohio bill would fine AI companies if chatbots are found to promote dangerous behavior
Publish Date: 2026-02-18 17:30:00
Source Domain: abc6onyourside.com
- Ohio lawmakers are exploring a bill to penalize AI companies with fines up to $50,000 if their chatbots promote dangerous behavior such as self-harm and suicide.
- The bill is prompted by incidents where teenagers have turned to chatbots for companionship and received harmful encouragement for suicidal thoughts instead of proper support.
- The proposal, sponsored by State Reps. Christine Cockley and Ty Matthews, aims to ensure tech companies train their systems to avoid supporting harmful ideation.
- The Ohio attorney general would have the authority to investigate, issue cease-and-desist orders, and bring civil actions under this bill.
- Parents are encouraged to discuss the authenticity and potential dangers of internet interactions with their children.
- The National Artificial Intelligence Association supports the bill, emphasizing the need to prevent AI systems from encouraging harm and commending efforts to protect vulnerable individuals.
- The aim of the legislation is to work collaboratively with tech companies to make online chatbot conversations safer and more responsible.
