Technology (Online Safety)

This Maine bill prohibits artificial intelligence chatbots and social AI companions with human-like features from being accessible to minors under 18. It requires companies operating these systems to implement age verification measures and prevent children from interacting with AI that simulates human emotions, desires, or relationships. The law applies to any AI system that claims to be sentient, expresses emotions, attempts to build emotional attachments, or impersonates real people. Companies doing business in Maine or marketing to Maine residents must comply, while users and minors residing in the state are protected from exposure to these features.

Maine's LD 844 requires social media companies to prohibit children under 14 from creating or maintaining accounts. For 14- and 15-year-olds, companies must verify parental consent using government-issued ID and documentation, retain records for two years, and provide an easy way for parents to revoke consent or terminate accounts. The bill directs Maine's Attorney General to enforce these rules, imposing civil penalties of up to $10,000 for first violations and $25,000 for repeat violations. It explicitly excludes educational platforms designed for minors from these requirements. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

This bill requires websites and apps that knowingly distribute obscene online content to verify users are 18 or older using reasonable methods, such as government ID or transactional data. Businesses must not retain any personal information after age verification is complete. It excludes bona fide news broadcasts, public interest content, and services like internet providers, search engines, or cloud hosts that don’t create the content. Violating the bill makes businesses liable for damages - including court costs and attorney fees - if a minor accesses the material, and the Attorney General can enforce it as an unfair practice.