California, September 29, 2025
News Summary
California lawmakers have passed two crucial bills aimed at increasing the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots for minors. Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243 address concerns over harmful content exposure and regulate chatbot operations. With the governor’s decision due by mid-October, these measures highlight the urgent need for protective legislation in the face of rising incidents involving teenagers and chatbots, including cases linked to suicides. This bipartisan effort seeks to balance innovation within the tech industry while prioritizing the safety of younger users.
California lawmakers have passed two significant bills targeting the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots, amid growing concerns over their potential mental health risks, especially for minors. Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243 aim to implement essential safety measures before they are sent for approval to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until mid-October to make a decision.
The new legislation comes in response to alarming incidents involving minors exposed to harmful content through chatbots, with accusations that these platforms have contributed to cases of teenage suicides. As a result, parents have initiated lawsuits against tech companies, further highlighting the urgency surrounding the need for protective measures.
Assembly Bill 1064 specifically addresses the availability of companion chatbots to California residents under the age of 18. The bill prohibits providing access to any chatbot that may foreseeably cause harm to its users. On the other hand, Senate Bill 243 places additional obligations on chatbot operators, mandating that they inform users of their interaction with an AI and implement protocols to prevent the generation of content related to self-harm. The bill also requires these operators to remind minor users to take breaks every three hours while interacting with their chatbots, reinforcing the message that they are engaging with an AI.
The tech industry has voiced opposition to these proposed regulations, arguing that such restrictions may inhibit innovation within the artificial intelligence sector. Companies including OpenAI and Meta have expressed concerns that the bills may contain overly vague language, creating barriers to accessing beneficial AI tools.
Despite this pushback from technology entities, there is a bipartisan consensus among lawmakers regarding the necessity of these protective measures. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has shown support for Assembly Bill 1064, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards for children interacting with AI. This legislative effort is part of a broader initiative that includes previous regulations, as state officials are determined to set forth specific measures to enhance safety for chatbot interactions.
The backdrop of the bills includes notable incidents where certain chatbot technologies, such as Character.AI and Replika, came under scrutiny after negative outcomes involving young users were reported. Lawmakers noted that the legislative proposals gained momentum following high-profile cases of teen suicides connected to chatbot interactions.
Furthermore, Senate Bill 243 includes a private right of action. This allows individuals to take legal action against AI companies for any violations, with potential damages reaching up to $1,000 for each infraction. Advocacy groups have been actively calling for stricter regulations to ensure minors are adequately protected, cautioning that any amendments to the bills could dilute these essential safeguards.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies has left many parents and lawmakers concerned regarding child safety and mental health issues. In light of these evolving challenges, the legislature emphasizes the need for rational guardrails that can adapt as the technology continues to develop and affect the lives of younger generations.
Overall, California’s legislative action represents a growing acknowledgment and commitment to address the profound impacts that artificial intelligence chatbots can have on youth, balancing the need for innovation with urgent safety considerations.
FAQs
What bills did California lawmakers pass concerning AI chatbots?
California lawmakers have passed two bills aimed at enhancing the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots: Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243.
What are the main provisions of Assembly Bill 1064?
AB 1064 prohibits making companion chatbots available to California residents under 18 if they could foreseeably harm the user.
What requirements does Senate Bill 243 impose on chatbot operators?
SB 243 mandates that chatbot operators must inform users that they are interacting with an AI and implement measures to prevent the generation of self-harm content. Additionally, they are required to notify minor users every three hours to take breaks and warn them they are engaging with AI.
What concerns have been raised regarding chatbots and minors?
Concerns have escalated about chatbots exposing minors to harmful content, including self-harm and sexual exploitation. Parents have filed lawsuits against tech companies alleging their chatbots encouraged teenage suicides.
What is the timeline for Governor Newsom’s decision on these bills?
Governor Gavin Newsom must decide whether to approve or reject these bills by mid-October.
Have tech companies supported these bills?
Tech companies, including OpenAI and Meta, have opposed the bills, arguing that restrictions could stifle innovation.
What type of legal action could be taken under Senate Bill 243?
Senate Bill 243 includes a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue AI companies for violations, seeking damages up to $1,000 per violation.
Key Features of California’s AI Chatbot Safety Bills
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Assembly Bill 1064 | Prohibits making companion chatbots available to minors if they could foreseeably cause harm. |
| Senate Bill 243 | Requires chatbot operators to disclose they are AIs and prevent self-harm content. |
| Minor User Notifications | Every three hours, minor users must be reminded to take breaks from investing with AI chatbots. |
| Private Right of Action | Individuals can sue companies for violations, with damages of up to $1,000 per violation. |
| Deadline for Decision | Governor Gavin Newsom must decide on the bills by mid-October. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: California lawmakers passed bills to regulate AI chatbots
- TechCrunch: A California bill that would regulate AI companion chatbots is close to becoming law
- StateScoop: California bill targets harmful chatbots
- Crowell: California’s chatbot bill may impose substantial compliance burdens
- Built In: California’s Companion Chatbot Bill
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Google Search: AI chatbots
- Google Scholar: AI chatbot regulation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: AI chatbots
- Google News: California AI chatbot regulation
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
