Updates

EPIC Urges Support for Chatbot Provider Liability Framework in Illinois

May 5, 2026

EPIC Counsel Kara Williams testified Monday in support of an Illinois bill that would establish a clear liability framework for chatbot providers.

The bill, H.B. 5044, is based on the liability section of EPIC’s People-First Chatbot Bill. It states that chatbots are products for the purposes of product liability law and establishes that chatbot providers can be held strictly liable for harms their chatbots cause.

“EPIC urges this Committee to advance H.B. 5044 because it is an important step toward accountability for tech companies and justice for people who have suffered severe harm because of these dangerous products,” Williams said in her testimony.  

EPIC has supported chatbot bills that include similar provisions in several states and has long advocated for tech accountability.

Support Our Work

EPIC's work is funded by the support of individuals like you, who allow us to continue to protect privacy, open government, and democratic values in the information age.

Donate