Artificial intelligence is increasingly woven into daily life, from customer service chats to homework help, but South Carolina lawmakers say guardrails are needed when children interact with AI-powered chatbots.
Several state Senate bills under consideration would restrict how AI platforms can engage with minors, citing concerns about emotional dependency, data privacy and manipulation.
Lawmakers say the legislation would regulate what types of conversations AI chatbots can have with children and limit what personal data can be collected or sold. The proposals would also require users to opt in before platforms store their data or allow expanded chatbot access.
“The dangers embedded in the rise of AI and chatbots are not the arena in which to give kids free rein,” Kimberly Long of Mothers Against Media Addiction said.
Sen. Matt Leber, a Republican from Charleston, said AI chatbots pose unique risks to young users.
“AI chatbots can create emotional dependency and unhealthy attachments and may even manipulate users for profit-driven engagement,” Leber said.
The concerns come as AI use among teenagers continues to rise. The Pew Research Center said 67 percent of teens say they have used an AI chatbot. Thirty percent report using one daily, and 12 percent say they turn to chatbots for emotional support.
“The chatbots distort a teen’s understanding of empathy by the app’s robotic, disconnected validation of everything said to it,” Long said. “That’s not real life.”
Under the proposed legislation, AI chatbots would be prohibited from offering emotional advice to minors or engaging in extended conversations designed to foster attachment. The bills would also place responsibility on companies to ensure their AI systems are not intentionally designed in ways that could harm consumers.
“It does put responsibility on the companies to make sure their AI is not going to be used in nefarious ways or purposefully programmed to be harmful,” Leber said.
Business groups, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact on customer service chatbots used by banks and retailers. Krista Hinson of the South Carolina Retail Association urged lawmakers to consider exemptions for systems designed solely for basic customer service.
“[We need] to make sure that businesses can continue to offer efficient, effective customer service without requiring additional time‑consuming account creations,” Hinson said.
Lawmakers did not take a vote on the bills, opting instead to delay action while revisions are made to address business concerns. The measures are expected to return for another subcommittee hearing.
Originally written by: Stephen Biddix
Source: Live 5 News
Published on: 16 April 2026
Link to original article: South Carolina lawmakers consider limits on AI chatbots used by children
