California Enacts First US Rules for AI ’Companion’ Chatbots
California has pioneered regulatory oversight for AI companion chatbots with the signing of Senate Bill 243. The law mandates clear disclosures of artificial identity, restricts minors from accessing sexual or self-harm content, and requires suicide-risk reporting protocols. Critics argue lobbying efforts diluted the bill's original scope, which included third-party audits and broader user protections.
The legislation reflects growing scrutiny of emotional interfaces between humans and machines, shifting focus from technical model governance to behavioral safeguards. Companies must now implement age filters, suicide response systems, and persistent reminders of chatbot artificiality—a framework that may influence future AI policy beyond state borders.
