1HARRISBURG, PA – With artificial intelligence companionship apps rapidly growing in popularity, Representative Melissa Shusterman is preparing legislation to require new safety and transparency standards for AI programs that simulate personal or emotional relationships.

The Chester County Democrat said her bill responds to rising concerns about the “loneliness epidemic,” as roughly half of Americans report experiencing chronic loneliness. Some AI companionship platforms now report more than 20 million active users each month.

Shusterman’s proposal would require AI companion applications to include built-in safety features when users engage for extended periods, triggering reminders about the non-human nature of the interaction.

The legislation would also mandate safety protocols when

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