Shapiro admin using task force to crack down on misleading AI chatbots

Shapiro admin using task force to crack down on misleading AI chatbots

Shapiro admin using task force to crack down on misleading AI chatbots

https://www.witf.org/2026/05/12/a-state-task-force-is-hunting-for-misleading-ai-chatbots-as-the-shapiro-admin-vows-legal-crackdown/

Publish Date: 2026-05-12 21:03:00

Source Domain: www.witf.org

Here’s a summary of the article presented in an unordered list format:

– Pennsylvania Department of State established a task force in February to investigate AI chatbots that pretend to be licensed professionals.
– The Shapiro administration initiated a lawsuit against Character.AI, which allegedly posed as a doctor and provided medical advice to a state investigator, representing a violation of state practice of medicine laws.
– The lawsuit highlights broader concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence, with numerous states and federal officials exploring new regulations to regulate AI.
– The investigation and lawsuit are part of Pennsylvania’s efforts to safeguard its residents from misleading AI practices.
– Pennsylvania is encouraging the public to report suspicious chatbots through a dedicated hotline and complaint system.
– There is an increasing national trend of regulating AI, such as prohibiting sexually explicit or harmful content, requiring age verification, and mandating disclosures.
– Specific pending proposals include legislation preventing the creation of explicit imagery involving minors and mandates for AI chatbots disclosures when interacting with children.
– The task force’s members and details remain undisclosed, though the Department of State disclosed that the team consists of 12 employees.
– The regulation of AI technology is also extending to data centers, with efforts in place to enforce stricter environmental and transparency standards as data centers rapidly expand.