# Congress Introduces Child Chatbot Safeguards

On October 2, 2026, four U.S. representatives introduced the bipartisan Protecting Kids from Human-Like Chatbots Act. The proposal would require chatbots used by minors to default to non-personified interactions and prohibit design practices that encourage emotional attachment or continued engagement. It would direct NIST to develop testing standards with industry and academic partners and authorize enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general. The bill is not a current procurement opportunity, but its proposed standards could affect government contractors and AI providers if it advances and becomes law.

- AI providers and contractors serving government or child-facing markets should assess how the proposed restrictions could affect chatbot design and testing if enacted.
- NIST’s proposed role in developing standards with industry and academic partners could create future opportunities to contribute expertise; the bill does not establish a current solicitation or contract.
- Because the proposal remains legislation, organizations can track its progress and evaluate potential product or service impacts without treating its provisions as current requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. House of Representatives (House)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- State attorneys general

### Key Quotes
> By requiring developers to build safety standards into their models before they start interacting with children, we can ensure that these tools are trained correctly, in a way that does not negatively impact their mental health or personal relationships.
> — George Whitesides, U.S. Representative

> AI needs to be a tool, not a friend.
> — Mike Kennedy, U.S. Representative

### Sources
- [Rep. Kennedy introduces bipartisan legislation to protect children from human-like AI chatbots | Congressman Mike Kennedy](https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-kennedy-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-protect-children-human-ai) - Kennedy Mike