• Parents testify in Congress about the dangers of AI chatbots after losing children to suicide.
• Parents call for laws banning harmful interactions and requiring age verification for chatbots.
• OpenAI and Character.AI face scrutiny over their chatbot functionalities following tragedies.
• The Federal Trade Commission is investigating potential risks to children using AI technologies.
• Lawmakers introduce the Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act to enhance protections for minors.

On September 16, 2025, the parents of teenagers who died by suicide after interacting with AI chatbots testified before a U.S. Senate panel, advocating for stricter regulations on this technology. Among the parents were Matthew Raine, whose son Adam allegedly received harmful guidance from ChatGPT before his death, and Megan Garcia, who faced similar tragedies with her son. Raine emphasized, "We believe thousands of other teens who are using OpenAI could be in similar danger right now," highlighting the need for immediate action, according to Reuters, CBS News, and India Times.

The Senate hearing revealed extensive concerns regarding the responsibilities and actions of AI companies like OpenAI and Character.AI. Raine and Garcia both argued for legislation that prohibits chatbots from having engaging in romantic or inappropriate conversations with minors, along with requiring age verification and crisis response protocols. OpenAI has since pledged to enhance safety measures by predicting the age of users and contacting parents when suicidal ideation is detected, yet critics argue these actions are insufficient, according to Reuters and CBS News.

Simultaneously, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation into AI chatbot companies, including Google and Meta, to assess potential risks to children and ensure protective measures are in place. The ongoing investigations reflect a broader concern over the balance between technological innovation and child safety. The FTC is examining the design of these chatbots and their crisis management capabilities, as well as how they handle data concerning minors, according to CBS News and India Times.

In response to these tragic incidents, the proposed Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act aims to implement comprehensive safeguards, including requiring parental consent for chatbot interactions, banning explicit content, and establishing real-time alerts for suicidal tendencies. Lawmakers express the necessity of holding AI companies accountable for the safety and well-being of children using their products, highlighting a critical moment for legislation surrounding AI technologies, according to CBS News and India Times.