Ohio House bill would hold AI companies responsible when chatbots promote self-harm

A bill introduced recently in the Ohio House would hold artificial intelligence companies responsible when chatbots suggest harmful behavior (Source: “Lawmakers want Ohio to penalize AI companies when chatbots promote self-harm,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 4).
 
Ohio lawmakers are worried the state lacks clear, legal recourse against artificial intelligence chatbots that suggest harmful behaviors.
 
House Bill 524, sponsored by Rep. Ty Mathews, a Republican from Hancock County and Rep. Christine Cockley, a Columbus Democrat, would give Ohio’s Attorney General the authority to investigate these situations, issue cease-and-desist orders, and bring civil actions for penalties of up to $50,000 per violation.
 
Any money collected would go to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Fund, which supports mental health crisis response services across Ohio.