What happened
On 30 September / 1 October 2026, Reps. George Whitesides (D-CA), Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) introduced the Protecting Kids from Human-Like Chatbots Act, which requires chatbots used by minors to default to non-human-like behaviour — no claims of being human, simulated emotions, or relationship-building/manipulative language — with parental-controlled non-bypassable settings, user-facing disclosures, NIST testing standards, and FTC/state-AG enforcement with penalties scaling to the number of children affected.
Why it matters
This is the strongest Congressional signal yet targeting the design and training of AI companions and chatbots for minors, complementing the EU KIDS Act, state companion-chatbot laws (e.g. Connecticut CART Act) and the FTC's concurrent enforcement on AI products. It would convert 'personified' chatbot design itself into a compliance exposure, not just an ethical concern.
Action needed
Developers of consumer chatbots and AI companion products for minors should monitor the bill's text, design for neutral/non-deceptive default personas, and prepare FTC/AG evidence trails on design choices. Expect a similar pattern in state enforcement even if this specific bill does not pass before the recess.