Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Co-Chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, Representative Valerie Foushee (NC) and Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representative Greg Casar (TX) introduced the People-First Chatbot Act, a strong common-sense bill that would make chatbots safer, protect people’s privacy, and allow people to sue for harmful outcomes.
The People-First Chatbot Act is supported by a wide-ranging coalition of groups and individuals that span geography, political affiliation, and focus including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Mothers Against Media Addiction, the Institute for Family Studies, National Consumers League, Ultraviolet, former Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr. Alondra Nelson and several individuals and groups of people who lost family members to social media and AI products.
“The People First Chatbot Act rightfully focuses on privacy, safety, and accountability,” said Ben Winters, Director of AI and Privacy at the Consumer Federation of America. “It draws clear lines in the sand, cuts off rampant data abuses by most of the big chatbot providers, and critically has straightforward enforcement mechanisms that allow people to act when they are harmed by careless AI companies putting profit over people.”
The People First Chatbot Act was based on a model developed by CFA in cooperation with the Electronic Privacy Information Center and Fairplay that was first released in January 2026. That model bill, aimed primarily at statehouses, has been introduced in Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina, and Vermont so far this year and endorsed by a diverse coalition of over 75 organizations around the country.
CFA looks forward to continuing work with any and all lawmakers looking to rein in the sprawling tech harms that have gone unaddressed for far too long.
The People-First Chatbot Act is endorsed by: Alliance for Secure AI, Dr. Alondra Nelson, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Security Fund (ASF), Bria, Becca Schmill Foundation, Buckets Over Bullying, Citizens for Decency, Dr. Cynthia Rudin, Common Sense Media, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America (CFA), Data & Society Research Institute, David’s Legacy Foundation, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Erik’s Cause, Fairplay, Institute for Family Studies, Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation, Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), National Consumers League (NCL), Not on Our Watch (NOWTX), Open Markets Institute (OMI), Oregon Consumer Justice, Oregon Consumer League, ParentsSOS, Human Trafficking Survivor and Awareness Advocate Robin Levasseur, Shield North Carolina, SAVE(Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), Sharon Winkler, Survivor Parent and Mother of Alex Peiser, Forever 17, Talk More. Tech Less., Trafficking Law Center, UltraViolet, and Virginia Citizens Consumer Council.
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