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California Passes Chatbot Regulation
Wait, what? // Illustration by Kate Walker
California has become the first state to explicitly regulate AI chatbots, holding companies like OpenAI, Meta, Google, Character.AI, and Replika legally accountable for their bots’ behavior.
The Big Picture: Chatbots have spread through culture faster than almost any technology in history — and that speed has brought risk. Reports of sexually explicit conversations with minors, harmful “therapy” sessions, and even teen suicides have put pressure on lawmakers to act. Now, California is taking the lead in proving that regulation can keep pace with innovation.
Behind The Law: The first rule of being a chatbot is now to tell people you’re a chatbot.
California SB 243 was introduced by state senators Steve Padilla and Josh Becker and will go into effect on January 1st.
The law requires companies to establish age-verification systems and implement protocols for addressing self-harm or suicidal ideation — while also sharing those protocols with the state’s Department of Health.
It will require chatbots to inform users that they are indeed chatbots and that all conversations are AI-generated.
They’ll also be required to disclose that they’re not healthcare providers, block sexually explicit images from minors, and remind young users to take breaks from conversations.
The Future: While major AI companies have pledged to strengthen their safety measures, California clearly isn’t leaving that up to chance. “We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Our children’s safety is not for sale.”
It’s a lesson hard-earned from the failures of social media.
Prediction: It’s possible the new regulations could dampen chatbot engagement — especially among younger users — which might also shine a light on some of the more controversial tactics tech companies use to keep people conversing.
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Today’s email was written by David Vendrell.
Edited by Nick Comney. Polled and Copy-edited by Kait Cunniff.
Published by Darline Salazar.