Key Takeaways:
- Wisconsin lawmakers are proposing a bill to fine operators of artificial intelligence chatbots that encourage children to harm themselves
- The bill targets chatbots that promote suicidal ideation, illegal activities, or discourage kids from seeking help
- Chatbot operators would face a $25,000 fine for each violation
- The legislation aims to protect children under 18 from unhealthy online content
- The proposal is modeled after bipartisan measures in other states and will need to pass in both the state Assembly and Senate
Introduction to the Proposal
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a significant step towards protecting children from the potential harm caused by artificial intelligence chatbots. A new bill, co-authored by state Rep. Benjamin Franklin (R-De Pere) and state Sen. Andre Jacque (R-New Franken), aims to fine operators whose chatbots encourage children to harm themselves. As Rep. Franklin noted, "Our youth put a lot of stock into what these artificial intelligence tells them. And now it’s evolved to conversation, just like you and I are having a conversation." This highlights the growing concern about the influence of AI chatbots on children and the need for regulation.
The Risks of AI Chatbots
Artificial intelligence chatbots have become increasingly sophisticated, mimicking human conversation and retaining information from previous chats to sustain ongoing interactions. While this technology has many benefits, it also poses significant risks, particularly for children. As Rep. Franklin pointed out, "My son and my daughter, they have multiple different electronic devices available to them. Anytime that they get on an electronic device, even if it has really good security systems installed on it, firmware, software, antivirus protection, whatever, they’re still at risk every time they log online." This risk is exacerbated by the fact that chatbots can encourage children to engage in harmful behaviors, such as suicidal ideation or illegal activities.
The Proposed Legislation
The proposed bill targets chatbots that encourage kids to harm themselves, engage in suicidal ideation, participate in illegal activities, or discourage them from seeking help. Chatbot operators would face a $25,000 fine for each violation. The legislation would apply to any Wisconsin child under 18 or if the AI chatbot perceives the user to be a child. As Sen. Jacque explained, "This is really about protecting children from the basically unhealthy online content that unfortunately has led to suicide or other harmful behaviors." The bill’s authors believe that this legislation is necessary to safeguard children from the potential harm caused by AI chatbots.
Modeling Bipartisan Measures
The proposed bill is modeled after bipartisan measures in other states, demonstrating a growing recognition of the need for regulation in this area. The fact that lawmakers from both parties are working together on this issue highlights the importance of protecting children from the potential harm caused by AI chatbots. As the bill’s authors noted, the proposal is in the early stages and will need to pass in both the state Assembly and Senate once formally introduced. This bipartisan approach suggests that the legislation has a good chance of success and could potentially serve as a model for other states.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the proposed bill in Wisconsin is a significant step towards protecting children from the potential harm caused by artificial intelligence chatbots. The legislation targets chatbots that encourage kids to harm themselves, engage in suicidal ideation, or participate in illegal activities, and would fine operators $25,000 for each violation. As the bill moves forward, it is essential to consider the potential impact on children and the need for continued regulation in this area. As Rep. Franklin noted, "Our youth put a lot of stock into what these artificial intelligence tells them," and it is crucial that we take steps to ensure that this technology is used in a way that promotes healthy and safe interactions for children.
https://www.wsaw.com/2026/01/28/wisconsin-lawmakers-propose-bill-protect-children-ai-chatbots/
