CHAT Act

The CHAT Act requires companies that operate companion AI chatbots (software designed to simulate emotional support or friendship) to verify the age of every user before allowing access. For minors under 18, companies must obtain verifiable parental consent, link the minor’s account to a parent’s verified account, and block access to sexually explicit content. The law also mandates companies to monitor for suicidal thoughts in minor interactions and immediately notify parents, while displaying a clear reminder every 60 minutes that the user is interacting with an AI, not a human. These requirements apply to all companies offering such chatbots to U.S. users, with enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.