New Jersey Lawmakers Advanced Chatbot Disclosure Bill

The proposed legislation mandates that chatbots explicitly identify as machines to users during interactions.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration showing a complex interconnected lattice of geometric data filaments representing digital interaction. — New Jersey lawmakers advanced legislation requiring AI chatbots to disclose their identity as machines during all interactions with users. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should states require AI chatbots to repeatedly disclose they are machines to protect user well-being?

New Jersey lawmakers have advanced a bill requiring AI chatbots to notify users that they are communicating with a machine. The measure passed the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee as legislators aim to increase transparency.

Why it matters

State officials are concerned about the impact of companion AI on mental health and believe mandatory disclosures will clarify the nature of these digital interactions for the public.

Bill A4732 requires AI bots to issue machine identification notices at the start of each session and every three hours thereafter. Violators face a $15,000 civil penalty.

The players

Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee

This is a standing committee in the New Jersey General Assembly responsible for overseeing legislation related to state social services and public welfare.

The details

The bill mandates that artificial intelligence platforms provide consistent reminders to users throughout their session. It marks a significant regulatory move following the state's previous decision to block $250 million in tax credits for AI data centers.

September 18, 2026
Every three hours

The Tech Race

This legislative effort follows New Jersey's decision to block $250 million in tax credits for AI data centers, continuing a trend of increased state-level scrutiny of the technology sector. The move suggests a broader shift toward establishing firm regulatory guardrails for AI companies operating within the state.

Residents should expect to see clearer machine-identity disclosures when interacting with customer service bots or digital companions. These notifications will occur at the start of a session and reappear every three hours to ensure ongoing transparency for the user.

The takeaway

Users should remain aware that digital companions are powered by algorithms rather than sentient intelligence. Legislators hope these transparency measures will help protect residents from potential emotional manipulation during prolonged digital interactions.