To prohibit the manufacture and conveyance of certain products for children that incorporate an artificial intelligence chatbot, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 21, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to protect children by banning AI chatbots in toys and child care articles, leveraging existing consumer product safety regulations for enforcement.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the manufacture, import, sale, or distribution of children's toys and child care articles that incorporate an artificial intelligence chatbot. The ban would take effect 180 days after the bill's enactment and would be enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under existing consumer product safety laws. The bill defines key terms like 'artificial intelligence,' 'machine learning,' and 'chatbot' by referencing other federal statutes.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary precautionary measure to protect children from the unknown and potentially harmful impacts of artificial intelligence chatbots in products designed for them. They emphasize concerns about data privacy, potential for manipulative interactions, exposure to inappropriate content, and the developmental implications of children interacting with AI without adequate safeguards. A blanket ban, they contend, offers the strongest protection in a rapidly evolving technological landscape where specific risks may not yet be fully understood or regulated.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill is an overly broad and premature ban that stifles innovation and limits consumer choice without clear evidence of widespread harm. They may assert that existing regulatory frameworks, or more targeted regulations focusing on data privacy and content moderation, could adequately address concerns without prohibiting an entire category of technology. Furthermore, they might highlight potential educational or entertainment benefits of AI-enabled toys when properly designed and used.
The bill text is exceptionally short and easy to read, allowing for a quick understanding of its core provisions. However, understanding its full implications requires familiarity with referenced statutes and the broader context of AI regulation.
Section 1(a)
Prohibition of AI Chatbots in Children's Products
This section establishes a ban, effective 180 days after the bill becomes law, on the manufacturing, importing, selling, or distributing of any children's toy or child care article that contains an artificial intelligence chatbot. This means that after the effective date, no new products fitting this description can be legally introduced into the U.S. market or sold.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that a direct prohibition is the most effective way to safeguard children from the potential, and often unpredictable, risks associated with AI chatbots, including data privacy breaches, exposure to inappropriate content, and psychological manipulation. They believe that the unique vulnerabilities of children necessitate a strong, clear protective measure.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that a blanket ban is an overreaction that stifles innovation and limits the potential for beneficial AI applications in children's products. They may argue that less restrictive measures, such as robust data privacy regulations, content filtering, and parental controls, could address concerns without eliminating an entire category of technology.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for child safety and protection against the potential for technological innovation and consumer choice. It also highlights the tension between proactive regulation in the face of unknown risks versus allowing market development with targeted safeguards.
Section 1(b)
Enforcement Under Consumer Product Safety Act
This section specifies that any violation of the prohibition on AI chatbots in children's products will be treated as a violation of Section 19 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2068). This means the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will be responsible for enforcing the ban, utilizing its existing powers, which include issuing civil penalties, ordering recalls, and pursuing criminal charges for willful violations.
Section 1(c)
Definitions of Key Terms
This section provides definitions for crucial terms used in the bill to clarify its scope. It defines 'artificial intelligence' and 'machine learning' by referencing the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020. A 'chatbot' is defined as technology using AI or machine learning for interactive conversations. 'Child care article' and 'children's toy' are defined by referencing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. These definitions are critical for determining which technologies and products are subject to the ban.
The bill defines 'artificial intelligence' and 'machine learning' by explicitly referencing Section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401). This means the scope of the ban's core technological target is determined by a definition found in a separate, broader federal law.
Section 1(c)(1)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure consistency across federal law and avoid redundant definitions. It leverages existing legal frameworks rather than creating new ones for established terms.
Case for: Referencing an existing, comprehensive definition for AI ensures that the ban aligns with broader federal policy on artificial intelligence, promoting consistency and reducing potential conflicts in interpretation. It also avoids the need for Congress to continually update definitions for a rapidly evolving field.
Case against: For a casual reader, understanding the full scope of the ban requires looking up a separate statute, which can make the bill less accessible and its implications less immediately clear. There's also a risk that the referenced definition, while comprehensive, might not perfectly align with the specific intent for children's products.
Estimated impact: This reference critically determines the exact technological features that would be prohibited, impacting the design and functionality of future children's products that incorporate any form of AI.
The bill defines 'child care article' and 'children's toy' by referencing Section 108(g)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (15 U.S.C. 2057c(g)(1)). This means the specific product categories subject to the AI chatbot ban are those already defined and regulated under existing consumer product safety law.
Section 1(c)(3)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to maintain consistency with existing consumer product safety regulations, ensuring that the new prohibition applies to product categories already familiar to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and industry.
Case for: Using established definitions for children's products ensures that the ban is applied to items already recognized and regulated for child safety, streamlining enforcement for the CPSC and providing clarity for manufacturers who are already familiar with these categories.
Case against: A reader unfamiliar with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act would need to consult that statute to fully understand which products are specifically targeted by the ban, potentially obscuring the bill's full scope.
Estimated impact: This reference precisely delineates the physical products that will be subject to the AI chatbot prohibition, affecting the entire children's toy and child care article market.