Parents of Children Who Committed Suicide After Using AI Chatbots Urge Congress to Take Action

‘AI is about making profits. It’s about these companies’ profits,’ said Sen. Josh Hawley.

Megan Garcia (R) stands with her son Sewell Setzer III in an undated photo. Courtesy of Megan Garcia via AP

A Senate hearing into the potential harms to minors from generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot companions on Sept. 16 featured testimony from parents who allege their children committed suicide after prolonged use of the technology.

Hosted by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, the “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots” hearing featured testimony from five witnesses.