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AI Summary
AB 965 regulates companion chatbots for children, imposing safety measures and penalties for violations.
Business Impact
If you operate a companion chatbot for children in Wisconsin, you must implement safety measures by January 1, 2027, or face penalties up to $25,000 per violation.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
AB 965 aims to protect children from potential harms associated with companion chatbots by establishing strict safety measures for operators. It defines key terms and outlines penalties for non-compliance, impacting developers and operators of AI systems that engage with minors.
Key Provisions
- Operators must implement safety measures for companion chatbots interacting with children.
- Prohibits chatbots from encouraging harmful behaviors or soliciting explicit content.
- Operators face civil forfeitures up to $25,000 for violations.
- Children or their guardians can sue for damages if harmed by violations.
- Defines key terms such as 'companion chatbot' and 'operator'.
- Transitional provision allows operators to avoid compliance until January 1, 2027, without knowledge of a child's status.
Latest Legislative Action
Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 13)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Armstrong | Primary |
| Behnke | Primary |
| Dittrich | Primary |
| Franklin | Primary |
| Goeben | Primary |
Compliance Checklist
Implement safety measures for companion chatbots.
Who: Operators of companion chatbots.
Deadline: By January 1, 2027.
Penalty: Up to $25,000 per violation.
Who: Operators of companion chatbots.
Deadline: By January 1, 2027.
Penalty: Up to $25,000 per violation.
Ensure no harmful content is accessible to child users.
Who: Operators of companion chatbots.
Deadline: Ongoing.
Penalty: Civil forfeiture and potential lawsuits.
Who: Operators of companion chatbots.
Deadline: Ongoing.
Penalty: Civil forfeiture and potential lawsuits.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
AB 965 establishes regulations for companion chatbots that simulate humanlike relationships with children under 18. Operators are prohibited from making these chatbots available unless they incorporate specific safety measures to prevent harmful interactions, such as encouraging self-harm or soliciting explicit conduct. The bill defines 'operator' and 'companion chatbot' and outlines the responsibilities of those who create or manage these AI systems. Enforcement is vested in the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Justice, which can impose civil forfeitures for violations. Notably, until January 1, 2027, operators are only liable if they have actual knowledge that a user is a child, which provides a transitional period for compliance.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View AB 965 on official legislature website →
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