New Jersey Bot Disclosure Law (A4563)

The New Jersey Bot Disclosure Law (A4563, P.L. 2019, c.486) prohibits using an online bot to communicate with New Jersey residents about the sale or advertisement of merchandise or real estate, or to solicit election support, while hiding its artificial identity. A bot means an automated account whose actions are not generated by a live person. The law has been in effect since July 19, 2020.

What the New Jersey Bot Disclosure Law Requires

The bot’s operator must disclose clearly and conspicuously at the outset that the interaction is automated. The bill was approved January 21, 2020 and became operative 180 days later.

Penalties and Compliance

Civil penalties escalate from $2,500 for a first offense to $10,000 for repeat offenses, enforced by the Attorney General. Any company using sales or marketing chatbots aimed at New Jersey consumers should build the disclosure into the first message.

Source: New Jersey Legislature: A4563 / P.L. 2019, c.486

Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Attorney General Division of Consumer Affairs.