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Who's moving technology in Maine
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This Maine bill prohibits artificial intelligence chatbots and social AI companions with human-like features from being accessible to minors under 18. It requires companies operating these systems to implement age verification measures and prevent children from interacting with AI that simulates human emotions, desires, or relationships. The law applies to any AI system that claims to be sentient, expresses emotions, attempts to build emotional attachments, or impersonates real people. Companies doing business in Maine or marketing to Maine residents must comply, while users and minors residing in the state are protected from exposure to these features.
This bill prohibits financial institutions (like banks and payment networks) from using merchant category codes (MCCs) to identify, track, or disclose transactions involving firearm purchases, firearm accessories, or ammunition. It specifically bans institutions from labeling or linking payment card transactions to firearms dealers or firearm-related sales through codes or other indicators. The law also prevents financial institutions from disclosing protected financial information about firearm purchases to any entity outside of processing the transaction itself. This directly affects banks, credit unions, payment networks, and firearm dealers accepting card payments in Maine.
LD 1395 requires school library databases used by Maine K-12 students to block child pornography, obscene material, and content depicting sexual exploitation of minors. Schools must withhold payment from non-compliant providers and treat repeated failures as a contract breach. The bill also removes an exception allowing schools to share obscene material for "educational purposes," closing a prior loophole. Additionally, it permits schools to integrate human trafficking prevention lessons into curricula, teaching students to recognize signs of sexual abuse and exploitation, and mandates staff training on these topics. These changes directly affect schools, library providers, and students across Maine.
