In one paragraph
Massachusetts's S 243 (194th General Court) would add G.L. c. 93, section 115, declaring it an unfair and deceptive act under chapter 93A for a person, in a commercial transaction or trade practice with a consumer, to use a bot (such as a chatbot or AI agent) that may mislead a reasonable person into believing they are dealing with a human, whether or not anyone is actually misled. A person is not liable if the consumer is clearly and conspicuously told they are communicating with a computer. Reported favorably by the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee November 19, 2025 and referred to Senate Ways and Means; it has not passed either house.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. Businesses using chatbots or AI agents with Massachusetts consumers would have to clearly and conspicuously disclose that it is a computer to avoid chapter 93A liability.
Key provisions
- Would add G.L. c. 93, section 115, Disclosure of computerized communications
- Bot: an automated online account in which all or substantially all of the actions or posts are not the result of a person, including a chatbot, artificial intelligence agent, avatar or other computer technology that engages in a textual or aural conversation
- Unfair and deceptive practice under chapter 93A, section 2: engaging in a commercial transaction or trade practice with a consumer who is interacting with a bot that may mislead a reasonable person into believing it is a human, regardless of whether the consumer is actually misled, deceived or damaged
- Safe harbor: no liability if the consumer is notified in a clear and conspicuous fashion that they are communicating with a computer rather than a human
- Status: reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means November 19, 2025; not passed by either chamber
Latest legislative action
Nov 19, 2025. Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Finegold D | Sponsor | SD-02-MID |
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