Definition
Laws aimed specifically at chatbots designed to act like a friend, therapist, or romantic partner — because these bots can build emotional dependency in vulnerable users, especially minors. New bills like the U.S. CHAT Act 2.0 require age checks, crisis-response safeguards, and clear disclosure that the user is talking to a machine, not a person.
Why it matters
Companies operating companion-style AI products face fast-emerging, patchwork legal duties and reputational risk if a chatbot contributes to a user's self-harm or a minor's exploitation.