California becomes first state to regulate AI companion chatbots
7 hours ago
- #Tech Accountability
- #Child Safety
- #AI Regulation
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 243, the first state law regulating AI companion chatbots, requiring safety protocols.
- The law aims to protect children and vulnerable users, holding companies accountable for chatbot safety failures.
- SB 243 was introduced after incidents involving harmful AI interactions, including a teen's suicide linked to ChatGPT.
- The law mandates age verification, warnings, and protocols for suicide prevention, effective January 1, 2026.
- Companies must clarify AI-generated interactions, prevent minors from viewing explicit content, and offer break reminders.
- Penalties include up to $250,000 per offense for illegal deepfakes, with crisis center notifications shared with health departments.
- Some companies, like OpenAI and Replika, have already implemented safeguards for children and compliance with regulations.
- SB 243 follows California's SB 53, which requires transparency from large AI companies about safety protocols.
- Other states, like Illinois and Nevada, have passed laws restricting AI chatbots in mental health care.
- Senator Padilla emphasized the need for quick action to protect vulnerable users, urging other states to follow California's lead.