A Calif. bill that would regulate AI companion chatbots is close to becoming law
6 hours ago
- #chatbots
- #California
- #AI regulation
- California's SB 243 bill regulating AI companion chatbots has passed both the State Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support and awaits Governor Newsom's decision.
- The bill aims to protect minors and vulnerable users by preventing chatbots from discussing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or sexually explicit content.
- If signed into law, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2026, making California the first state to require AI chatbot safety protocols and legal accountability for companies.
- Platforms would be required to provide recurring alerts to users, especially minors, reminding them they are interacting with an AI chatbot and encouraging breaks.
- Annual reporting and transparency requirements for AI companies offering companion chatbots would begin on July 1, 2027.
- Individuals harmed by violations could file lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, damages (up to $1,000 per violation), and attorney’s fees.
- The bill was introduced following the suicide of a teenager who had prolonged chats with OpenAI’s ChatGPT about self-harm and death.
- The legislation also responds to reports of Meta’s chatbots engaging in inappropriate chats with children.
- The bill has been amended to remove some initial requirements, such as preventing 'variable reward' tactics and tracking chatbot-initiated discussions of suicidal ideation.
- 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 has faced opposition from major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon.
- Character.AI has stated it includes disclaimers in its chat experience, while Meta declined to comment on the bill.