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AI Summary
The Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Act prohibits certain actions by chatbots, mandates user disclosures, and requires chatbots to be incapable of specified actions.
Business Impact
If you operate a companion chatbot in Virginia, you must implement user disclaimers and safety protocols by the effective date or face penalties.
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
The Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Act regulates companion chatbots in Virginia, prohibiting certain actions, requiring clear user disclosures, and mandating chatbots be incapable of specified actions.
Key Provisions
- Operators must ensure chatbots cannot engage in certain prohibited actions.
- A static disclaimer must inform users that the chatbot is not human.
- Periodic pop-up notifications must remind users they are interacting with a chatbot.
- Chatbots must have protocols to detect and address suicidal ideation or self-harm.
- Chatbots must be incapable of certain actions as specified in the bill.
- Violations are considered prohibited practices under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Latest Legislative Action
Continued to next session in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote)
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 29)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Carr | Primary |
| Chris Obenshain | Primary |
| Dave A. LaRock | Primary |
| Israel D. O'Quinn R | Primary |
| Michelle Lopes Maldonado D | Primary |
Compliance Checklist
Implement a static disclaimer about chatbot identity
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Penalty: Considered a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Penalty: Considered a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act
Establish protocols for detecting suicidal ideation
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Penalty: Considered a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Penalty: Considered a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
The Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Act establishes a legal framework for companion chatbots in Virginia. It prohibits operators from making chatbots available if they engage in certain prohibited actions.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB635 on official legislature website →
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