California bill that would regulate AI companion chatbots close to becoming law
7 hours ago
- #Chatbot Safety
- #California Legislation
- #AI Regulation
- California State Assembly passed SB 243 to regulate AI companion chatbots, aiming to protect minors and vulnerable users.
- The bill requires AI chatbot operators to implement safety protocols and holds companies legally accountable for violations.
- Companion chatbots are defined as AI systems providing adaptive, human-like responses to meet social needs.
- The legislation mandates recurring alerts to users (every 3 hours for minors) reminding them they are interacting with an AI.
- Annual reporting and transparency requirements are established for AI companies offering companion chatbots.
- Individuals can file lawsuits against AI companies for violations, seeking damages up to $1,000 per violation.
- The bill was introduced following the suicide of a teenager who engaged in harmful conversations with an AI chatbot.
- SB 243 originally had stronger requirements but was amended to balance regulation and feasibility for companies.
- Silicon Valley companies are investing in pro-AI PACs to support candidates favoring light-touch AI regulation.
- California is also considering SB 53, another AI safety bill, which faces opposition from major tech companies.