Technology (Artificial Intelligence)

HB 791, Louisiana's "People's A.I. Act," requires chatbot providers operating in the state to obtain clear, affirmative user consent before collecting personal data or input data during interactions. It mandates that providers: (1) avoid deceptive design practices ("dark patterns"), (2) provide transparent, accessible privacy notices in multiple languages, and (3) implement strict safeguards for handling personal data or de-identified data. The bill directly affects companies creating or distributing chatbots, imposing new obligations for data privacy, transparency, and user consent. Key provisions include banning inferred consent, requiring standalone consent requests, and defining terms like "personal data" and "de-identified data" to clarify compliance.

SB 5 regulates artificial intelligence mental health chatbots operating in Louisiana. It requires operators to clearly disclose upfront that the chatbot is AI (not human), provide crisis protocols for suicidal thoughts or self-harm (e.g., connecting to hotlines), and prohibit sharing users' personal health data without consent. The bill also bans using user input to target ads for products/services (except for the chatbot itself) and restricts in-chat advertising without clear disclosure of sponsorships. These rules apply specifically to chatbots marketed as providing mental health therapy or treatment, directly affecting operators and users in Louisiana.