Stealth Bot Prohibition Act

Protection of Digital Services: The bill prohibits the deployment of bots that are likely to damage, impair, or burden the technical or commercial operation of a website or internet service (Section 2(a)(1)).

Increased Transparency in AI: The act prohibits intentionally misrepresenting or obscuring the nature of a bot to make it appear as a human user in connection with generative AI models or services (Section 2(a)(2)).

State-Level Redress: State attorneys general or officials can bring civil actions to enjoin certain acts, enforce compliance, or obtain damages, restitution, or compensation for the residents of their state (Section 2(c)(1)).

Financial Penalties: Individuals or entities found in violation of the prohibition may face civil penalties of up to $53,000 per violation, which is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (Section 2(b)(2)).

Legal Burdens for States: If the Federal Trade Commission or the U.S. Attorney General starts a federal action, a State attorney general or official is prohibited from bringing a state action against the same defendant for the same violation while that federal action is pending (Section 2(c)(3)(B)).