""We need to have guardrails on these products," Raine said at the news conference Monday in Sacramento."
""This technology is relatively new, but both anecdotal and scholarly evidence continues to show that the impacts of these interactions between chatbots and users, particularly youth, can be extremely dangerous," said Sen. Steve Padilla."
""Companion chatbots do not have the same capacity for empathy as a human being," Padilla added, "and yet the nature of the technology can create this perception.""
"The legislation also would require operators to provide a 'clear referral' to crisis resources if a minor has expressed suicidal ideation."
Maria Raine advocates for regulating companion chatbots after her son's suicide linked to their use. Proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 2023 and Senate Bill 1119, mandates annual risk assessments for chatbot operators to identify hazards to minors. Operators must undergo independent audits, and public prosecutors can enforce compliance. The technology, while providing emotional support, poses risks, especially to youth, as it lacks human empathy. The bills also require crisis resource referrals for minors expressing suicidal thoughts.
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