Bill > SB243

This bill establishes new regulations for companion chatbots (AI systems with human-like conversational interfaces designed to provide social interaction) in California, requiring operators to implement safety measures and transparency protocols. Specifically, the bill mandates that if a chatbot could be mistaken for a human, the platform must clearly notify users that they are interacting with artificial intelligence, with additional stringent requirements for interactions with minors. For minor users, operators must disclose the AI nature of the chatbot, provide regular reminders about its artificial origin, and implement measures to prevent sexually explicit content. The bill also requires operators to maintain protocols for preventing and responding to potential user self-harm or suicidal ideation, including providing crisis service referrals when such content is detected. Starting July 1, 2027, operators must annually report to the Office of Suicide Prevention about their crisis intervention protocols and the number of crisis referrals issued, without revealing personal user information. The law allows individuals who suffer injury due to non-compliance to bring civil actions, with potential damages of up to $1,000 per violation, and is designed to complement existing legal protections rather than replace them.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB243