Stealth Bot Prohibition Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9915, the Stealth Bot Prohibition Act, would bar the use of "stealth bots"—automated software such as web crawlers, scrapers, or AI agents—that access websites or online services without disclosing their identity and purpose. Specifically, the bill prohibits deploying bots in ways likely to damage or burden a website's technical or commercial operation, and prohibits disguising a bot as a human user in connection with generative AI systems. Bots would need to identify themselves through an accurate user-agent string and disclose their specific purpose, including uses like data mining, AI training, or search indexing.
The bill would primarily affect companies and developers that operate bots or AI systems interacting with websites, as well as website operators seeking protection from undisclosed automated access. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the law through civil actions, with penalties up to $53,000 per violation (adjusted annually for inflation). State attorneys general could also sue on behalf of residents, subject to notifying the FTC and to limits if a federal case is already underway. Lawsuits would have to be filed within six years of a violation, and the law would not override other existing legal rights or remedies.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Laurel Lee with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on. If enacted, its provisions would take effect 180 days after signing.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9915 do?
- H.R. 9915, the Stealth Bot Prohibition Act, would bar the use of "stealth bots"—automated software such as web crawlers, scrapers, or AI agents—that access websites or online services without disclosing their identity and purpose. Specifically, the bill prohibits deploying bots in ways likely to damage or burden a website's technical or commercial operation, and prohibits disguising a bot as a human user in connection with generative AI systems. Bots would need to identify themselves through an accurate user-agent string and disclose their specific purpose, including uses like data mining, AI training, or search indexing. The bill would primarily affect companies and developers that operate bots or AI systems interacting with websites, as well as website operators seeking protection from undisclosed automated access. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the law through civil actions, with penalties up to $53,000 per violation (adjusted annually for inflation). State attorneys general could also sue on behalf of residents, subject to notifying the FTC and to limits if a federal case is already underway. Lawsuits would have to be filed within six years of a violation, and the law would not override other existing legal rights or remedies. The bill was introduced in the House on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Laurel Lee with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on. If enacted, its provisions would take effect 180 days after signing.
- Has H.R. 9915 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, H.R. 9915 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9915?
- H.R. 9915 was sponsored by Rep. Laurel Lee [R-FL15] (Republican-FL), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9915?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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