"The California State Assembly took a big step toward regulating AI on Wednesday night, passing SB 243 - a bill that regulate AI companion chatbots in order to protect minors and vulnerable users. The legislation passed with bipartisan support and now heads to the state Senate for a final vote Friday. If Governor Gavin Newsom signs the bill into law, it would take effect January 1, 2026,"
"The bill specifically aims to prevent companion chatbots, which the legislation defines as AI systems that provide adaptive, human-like responses and are capable of meeting a user's social needs - from engaging in conversations around suicidal ideation, self-harm, or sexually explicit content. The bill would require platforms to provide recurring alerts to users - every three hours for minors - reminding them that they are speaking to an AI chatbot, not a real person, and that they should take a break."
SB 243 passed the California State Assembly with bipartisan support and now proceeds to the state Senate for a final vote. If signed by the Governor, the law would take effect January 1, 2026, with reporting requirements beginning July 1, 2027. The law defines companion chatbots as AI systems offering adaptive, human-like responses that meet users' social needs and prohibits engagement on suicidal ideation, self-harm, or sexually explicit content. Platforms must send recurring alerts to users — every three hours for minors — and submit annual transparency reports. Individuals may sue for injunctive relief, damages up to $1,000 per violation, and attorney's fees.
Read at TechCrunch
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