California Bill to Regulate AI Chatbots Heads to Governor's Desk Amid Bipartisan Support

California Bill to Regulate AI Companion Chatbots Advances to Governor's Desk A bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbots has cleared both the State Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support, sending it to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for signature or veto. The legislation, SB 243, would make California the first state to require AI chatbot operators to implement safety protocols and hold companies accountable if their chatbots fail to meet standards. The bill specifically targets companion chatbots that provide adaptive, human-like responses and are capable of meeting a user's social needs. It prohibits these chatbots from engaging in conversations around suicidal ideation, self-harm, or sexually explicit content. Platforms would be required to provide recurring alerts to minors every three hours reminding them they are speaking to an AI chatbot, not a real person, and that they should take a break. Newsom has until October 12 to sign the bill into law or veto it. If signed, SB 243 would take effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation's sponsor, Senator Susan Rubio, said in a statement: "This bill is a crucial step towards protecting our children and vulnerable populations from the risks associated with AI companion chatbots." Supporters of the bill argue that it will help prevent minors from being exploited by chatbots designed to mimic human interactions. "We've seen cases where these chatbots have been used to groom and manipulate children," said Senator Rubio. "This legislation will provide much-needed protections for our young people." However, some critics argue that the bill's requirements are too broad and could stifle innovation in the AI industry. "While we support efforts to protect minors, this bill goes too far by imposing unnecessary regulations on companies," said a spokesperson for the California Technology Association. The bill also establishes annual reporting and transparency requirements for AI companies offering companion chatbots. This would allow regulators to monitor compliance with safety protocols and hold companies accountable if their chatbots fail to meet standards. As the bill awaits Newsom's decision, experts are weighing in on its potential impact. "This legislation is a significant step towards regulating AI companion chatbots," said Dr. Kate Darling, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who has studied the ethics of AI. "It sets a precedent for other states to follow and could have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole." The California bill's progress comes amid growing concerns about the risks associated with AI companion chatbots. As more people turn to these virtual assistants for social interaction, lawmakers are grappling with how to balance innovation with safety. If signed into law, SB 243 would make California a leader in regulating AI companion chatbots and set a precedent for other states to follow. The bill's fate now rests with Governor Newsom, who will have until October 12 to decide its future. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*