The Rhode Island AI Companion Models Law (S 2195 / H 7350) creates a new Chapter 63 of the state’s commercial law title. It makes it unlawful to operate an AI companion, meaning a system that simulates social human interaction and converses about personal wellbeing, unless the operator maintains specific safety protocols.
What the Rhode Island AI Companion Models Law Requires
Operators need protocols for responding to user expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harm, possible physical harm to others, and possible financial harm, including referring users to crisis services such as suicide hotlines. They must also display or speak a notice at the start of every companion interaction, and at least every three hours, stating that the AI companion is a computer program, not a human being, and cannot feel human emotion.
Enforcement and Exclusions
People injured by violations can sue for damages, and the Attorney General can investigate and seek injunctions under deceptive trade practices law. Ordinary customer service bots that only handle account or product questions are excluded, so the law targets companionship products specifically.
Source: Rhode Island General Assembly: S 2195
Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit.
