Press Releases
Rep. Balint Introduces Legislation to Protect Kids from Addictive AI Chatbots
Washington,
July 27, 2027
Bill Text (PDF) | Section-by-Section Summary (PDF) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today introduced the Addictive Design Act, legislation to protect young people from the mental health risks posed by AI chatbots designed to foster emotional attachment, compulsive use, and ultimately, addiction. As AI chatbots become increasingly common in the lives of young people, a growing number of teenagers are turning to them for mental health support—even though most chatbots are not designed to respond safely to a youth experiencing a mental health crisis. At the same time, many AI chatbots use design features intended to keep users engaged and encourage them to form emotional relationships with the technology. “Technology companies have spent years learning how to capture our attention and keep us engaged for as long as possible. They should not be allowed to apply those same tactics to vulnerable kids who may be turning to an AI chatbot during a mental health crisis,” said Rep. Balint. “As a parent to two teenagers, I have already seen the devastating consequences of a tech and social media industry that puts engagement and profit ahead of people’s well-being. We can't make the same mistake with AI. We need clear rules, research, and accountability before more families are forced to suffer the consequences.” The Addictive Design Act would:
The bill defines addictive design features to include elements such as typing bubbles, avatars, storing and using personal information from previous conversations, requiring additional engagement or payment to continue conversations, maintaining conversations lasting longer than two hours, and impersonating a real person. This legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). The Addictive Design Act is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American Psychiatric Association, the Center for Health and Democracy, the Clinical Social Work Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and Public Citizen. "Children deserve technology that serves them, but too often Big Tech is engineering AI companions to keep children emotionally dependent,” said J.B. Branch, Director of Federal AI Governance and Technology Policy at Public Citizen. “The Addictive Design Act recognizes a simple principle: when companies intentionally design AI to maximize attachment, they must also be accountable for the predictable harms that follow. This legislation is an important step toward putting children's well-being ahead AI engagement metrics." "AI chatbots should never be designed to keep young people emotionally dependent or endlessly engaged at the expense of their mental health,” said Rachel Madley, PhD, Executive Director at the Center for Health and Democracy. “The Addictive Design Act takes an important step toward protecting children by prohibiting addictive AI design features, investing in research, and giving parents, educators, and policymakers the tools they need to address these emerging mental health risks before more families are harmed. Congress should pass it without delay." “As artificial intelligence and virtual chatbots become increasingly prevalent in the lives of youth and young adults, it is critical that we better understand how these technologies, including design features intended to increase engagement and emotional connection may affect young people’s mental health and well-being,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A. Executive Vice President and Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The Addictive Design Act is an important step toward strengthening youth suicide prevention by supporting research, strengthening understanding of emerging risks, and equipping parents, caregivers, and educators with the information and resources to have meaningful conversations that support young people’s mental health and safety.” "AI is moving faster than we can regulate it,” says Heidi McIntosh, MSW, NASW Chief Operating Officer. “That means young people, who are still reeling from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, search for resources to help them navigate their lives; they are bombarded with therapy chatbots. Without regulation, these programs will prey on young people's desire for emotional connection. The Addictive Design Act takes a stand by banning chatbot companies from letting minors access an AI chatbot with addictive features and creates scientific research opportunities and parent and educator outreach programs to continue to grow community competency on AI chatbots and their impact on youth mental health. The National Association of Social Workers is proud to endorse this bill as a major step toward protecting young people and their mental health.” “AI has the potential to improve mental health care, but innovation must be grounded in evidence and designed to protect patients – especially children and adolescents,” said Dr. Marketa M. Wills, CEO and Medical Director of the American Psychiatric Association. “AI chatbots should never replace the physician-patient relationship, which remains essential to safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care. By investing in research, convening experts to develop recommendations, and prohibiting addictive design features in chatbots available to youth, this bill takes an important step toward understanding AI’s effects and protecting young people.” ### |