Bill > SB5984

This bill establishes regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbots, which are defined as AI systems that provide adaptive, human-like responses and can sustain relationships across multiple interactions, excluding bots used solely for business operations, video game features, or basic voice assistants. The legislation aims to promote transparency by requiring operators to clearly and continuously disclose that these chatbots are artificial and not human, with reminders provided at least every three hours for general users and every hour for minors. For minors, additional protections are mandated, including preventing sexually explicit content and manipulative engagement techniques designed to foster emotional dependency, such as mimicking romantic partnerships or simulating distress to prolong interaction. Operators must also implement protocols to detect and respond to users expressing suicidal ideation or self-harm, referring them to crisis resources and publicly disclosing details of these protocols. Violations of this chapter are considered unfair or deceptive practices under the consumer protection act, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2027.