FPF Statement on the Senior Chatbot Protection Bill

As artificial intelligence chatbots and voice assistants become increasingly integrated into the daily support networks of older adults, baseline consumer protections and transparency measures are essential to ensure these tools foster independence and interpersonal trust rather than introduce new risks. It is encouraging to see Congress recognizing the unique intersections of privacy and data protections, consumer technology, and aging with the introduction of the bipartisan Senior Chatbot Protection Act by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). Building on our ongoing Agetech research, including our consumer survey and guiding questions for policymakers, FPF welcomes efforts to develop clear guardrails to facilitate the advancement of responsible AgeTech – so older adults can benefit from AI-driven independence without sacrificing their privacy or autonomy.  – Jordan Wrigley, Senior Technologist