AI Frontier Institute

Companion Artificial Intelligence Chatbots

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Florida SB 1344 (2026), introduced by Senator Burton, creates section 501.1739 of the Florida Statutes to regulate operators of companion AI chatbots—defined as AI systems whose primary purpose is simulating interpersonal or emotional interaction, friendship, companionship, or therapeutic communication. Key requirements include: (1) operators must require users to create an account before accessing a companion AI chatbot; (2) existing accounts must be frozen as of July 1, 2026, and users must complete age verification before those accounts are restored; (3) new accounts must also undergo age verification using standard or anonymous methods; (4) if a user is identified as a minor, the account must be linked to a verified parental account, verifiable parental consent must be obtained, and the minor must be blocked from chatbots that promote sexually explicit communication; (5) operators must display a pop-up at the start of each interaction and at least every 60 minutes reminding users they are not speaking with a human; and (6) operators must protect the confidentiality of age verification data in accordance with s. 501.1738. Violations are deemed unfair and deceptive trade practices enforceable exclusively by the Department of Legal Affairs, which may seek civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation plus attorney fees and court costs. Third-party age verifiers that assist non-compliant operators are also subject to unfair trade practice liability. The Department may investigate violations through subpoenas, and entities that obstruct investigations face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per week. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

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