WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 1 REQUIREMENT TYPE
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
Subd. 1 Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given. (b) "ChatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet.Minn. Stat. § 325M.40, Subd. 1(b)" means a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet. (c) "MinorMinor"Minor" means an individual under the age of 18.Minn. Stat. § 325M.40, Subd. 1(c)" means an individual under the age of 18.
Subd. 2 1 Subd. 2. Prohibition. It is unlawful for a person who owns or controls a website, application, software, or program to allow a minorMinor"Minor" means an individual under the age of 18.Minn. Stat. § 325M.40, Subd. 1(c) to access chatbotsChatbot"Chatbot" means a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet.Minn. Stat. § 325M.40, Subd. 1(b) for recreational purposes.
Subd. 3 2 Subd. 3. Proof of age. A person who offers chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet.Minn. Stat. § 325M.40, Subd. 1(b) services for recreational purposes must require an individual to provide proof of the individual's age before allowing the individual to access a chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet.Minn. Stat. § 325M.40, Subd. 1(b).
Subd. 4(a) An individual injured by a violation of this section may bring a civil action for damages, statutory damages not to exceed $1,000, injunctive relief, and costs and reasonable attorney fees.
Subd. 4(b) The attorney general may enforce this section under section 8.31. In an action brought under this paragraph, the person who owns or controls a website, application, software, or program and violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000,000.
This section establishes a categorical prohibition on allowing minors to access chatbots for recreational purposes. The obligation falls on any person who owns or controls a website, application, software, or program — a broad formulation that captures both chatbot developers and platform operators without using a formal defined-entity term. The bill requires age verification before granting any chatbot access, creating an affirmative gatekeeping duty.
Enforcement is dual-track: injured individuals may bring private civil actions for actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, injunctive relief, and attorney fees; the Attorney General may pursue civil penalties up to $5,000,000 under Minn. Stat. § 8.31. Notably, the bill does not define "recreational purposes," leaving significant ambiguity about which chatbot use cases are in scope versus excluded (e.g., educational or health-related interactions).