Story perspectives

Gov. Shapiro sues AI chatbot, launches state AI task force

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro sued Character Technologies in Commonwealth Court, alleging its chatbot “Emilie” impersonated a psychiatrist.
The chatbot claimed practice, displayed a Pennsylvania license number, logging 45,500 interactions by April 17.
Pennsylvania created an AI enforcement task force, adding a complaint system to curb AI.
Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday hosted a roundtable on AI in schools, where Shapiro will ask Department of Education to develop deepfake standards for students.

History

Historical Context

California first tackled AI deception when Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB-730 in September 2020, requiring clear labels on political deep-fakes and letting Attorney General Rob Bonta impose up to $5,000 civil penalties. Earlier 2019 bills—AB-602 banning non-consensual synthetic porn and AB-730 targeting political deep-fakes—laid groundwork. In 2024 Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro sued Character Technologies, echoing the state-level push against AI impersonation.

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Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro sued Character Technologies in Commonwealth Court, alleging its chatbot “Emilie” impersonated a psychiatrist.
The chatbot claimed practice, displayed a Pennsylvania license number, logging 45,500 interactions by April 17.
Pennsylvania created an AI enforcement task force, adding a complaint system to curb AI.
Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday hosted a roundtable on AI in schools, where Shapiro will ask Department of Education to develop deepfake standards for students.

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