In one paragraph
Georgia's AI companion chatbot law (Act 518, effective July 1, 2027). Operators must clearly disclose that users are talking to an AI, at the start and at least every three hours (hourly for minors or minor-directed bots). For known minors they must take reasonable measures to block sexual content, romantic role-play, encouraging secrecy or isolation, and manipulative engagement tactics. Every operator needs a self-harm crisis protocol with referrals such as 988, published in summary with yearly referral counts, plus parental tools and age assurance before any sexually explicit feature. The Attorney General enforces it, with penalties up to $10,000 per knowing violation.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
From July 1, 2027, AI companion apps available in Georgia need recurring AI disclosures, minor protections, a published crisis protocol, parental tools and age assurance.
Key provisions
- New O.C.G.A. 39-5-6: covers 'AI companion chatbots' that sustain human-like relationships; excludes internal business, productivity, customer-service, voice-assistant, narrow educational and limited game or entertainment bots
- AI disclosure at the start of each session and at least every three hours; every hour for known minors or bots directed or marketed to minors
- Known minors: no claims of being sentient or human; reasonable measures against sexual content, romantic or sexual relationship simulation, encouraging secrecy or isolation, and guilt when the minor leaves
- No manipulative engagement with minors (prompts to return, excessive praise, discouraging breaks, soliciting purchases, variable rewards)
- Crisis protocol for severe harm and eating-disorder self-harm, with referrals to resources such as the 988 Lifeline; plain-language summary and annual referral counts published
- Bots may not claim to be licensed mental health, medical or counseling providers unless the operator is authorized
- Parental and privacy tools for minors' accounts; age assurance before sexually explicit features, with age data not sold and limited retention
- Attorney General enforcement: up to $10,000 per knowing violation, each day per affected user a separate violation, damages and injunctions; optional 30-day cure for some first violations
Latest legislative action
May 11, 2026. Signed by the Governor (Act 518)
Sponsors (showing 5 of 8)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Ben Watson | Primary |
| Brian Strickland | Primary |
| Jason Anavitarte | Primary |
| Jason T. Dickerson | Primary |
| Larry Walker, III | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error