Iowa AI Law: Chatbot Disclosure & Safety for Kids

Iowa has implemented new legislation for conversational AI chatbots. Senate File 2417 passed unanimously, requiring chatbots like Claude and ChatGPT to disclose to young users that they are not human. They must also refrain from encouraging children to extend conversations. What's more, a labeling requirement states that chatbots must clearly distinguish between human-created content and generative models. Republican state Senator Kara Warme says the main goal is to make chatbots safer and more transparent, especially for children. The law also prohibits chatbots from offering mental health counseling and requires them to refer users at risk of suicide or self-harm to professionals. Chatbots cannot produce sexually explicit visual media or encourage children in sexually explicit acts. The law went into effect on July 1st, but enforcement begins on July 1st, 2027, to allow operators a transitional period. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500,000 per operator. This matters because it sets new standards for how AI interacts with users, particularly children.