Question 1

What does the Artificial Intelligence Companion Services (Protection of Children) Bill 2026 do?

Accepted Answer

Bans AI chatbot services designed to simulate friendship, companionship or intimate relationships from being made available to children under 16. Requires providers to implement age-assurance measures beyond self-declaration and prohibits targeted promotion of banned services to children. Gives Coimisiún na Meán enforcement powers including information notices, compliance notices, and ability to issue directions; creates criminal offences for knowing violations.

Question 2

What stage is the Artificial Intelligence Companion Services (Protection of Children) Bill 2026 at?

Accepted Answer

As of 30 Sep 2026, the Artificial Intelligence Companion Services (Protection of Children) Bill 2026 is at Second Stage in 34th Dáil. Once a bill passes every stage in both Houses of the Oireachtas and is signed by the President, it becomes law.

Question 3

Who introduced the Artificial Intelligence Companion Services (Protection of Children) Bill 2026?

Accepted Answer

The Artificial Intelligence Companion Services (Protection of Children) Bill 2026 was sponsored by Malcolm Byrne, and was introduced on 29 Sep 2026.

Artificial Intelligence Companion Services (Protection of Children) Bill 2026

What this bill doesAI · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001

Stage timelineWhat do these stages mean?