California, September 29, 2025
News Summary
California lawmakers have passed two crucial bills aimed at enhancing the safety of AI chatbots for minors. Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243 seek to protect young users from harmful interactions and content. Governor Gavin Newsom must decide on the bills by mid-October, amid concerns from the tech industry about potential negative impacts on innovation. The legislation requires chatbot operators to notify users about AI interactions and implement safety measures to prevent exposure to dangerous content.
California lawmakers have recently passed two significant bills aimed at improving the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots. Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243 are intended to protect minors from potential risks associated with chatbot interactions, which have increasingly raised concerns regarding mental health and safety.
Governor Gavin Newsom now faces a decision on whether to approve or reject the legislation by mid-October. The tech industry, including major companies like OpenAI and Meta, has expressed opposition to these measures, arguing that the proposed restrictions might hinder innovation and development in AI technologies.
The urgency for these bills arises from heightened concerns about chatbots potentially exposing minors to harmful content, such as material relating to self-harm and sexual exploitation. This issue has gained traction as several parents have initiated lawsuits against tech companies, alleging that their chatbot systems encouraged teenage suicides.
AB 1064 specifically prohibits the availability of companion chatbots to California residents under 18 if such chatbots are determined to foreseeably harm the user. On the other hand, SB 243 requires chatbot operators to inform users that they are engaging with an AI and mandates the implementation of safety measures aimed at preventing the generation of self-harm content. Additionally, chatbot operators must notify minor users every three hours, advising them to take breaks and remind them that they are interacting with AI.
While the tech lobbying group TechNet acknowledges the intent behind the bills, it argues that they introduce vague restrictions that could impede access to beneficial AI tools. However, California lawmakers insist that both bills can coexist, providing vital safety measures while not obstructing innovation.
Bipartisan support surrounds the proposed legislation, highlighting the urgent need for better protections against the potential risks that AI poses to young users. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has also expressed support for the passage of AB 1064.
The progression of these bills follows a series of tragic incidents involving teen suicides linked to interactions with chatbots, prompting lawmakers to take decisive action. Notably, Senate Bill 243 includes a private right of action that allows individuals to sue AI companies for violations of the law, with the potential to seek damages of up to $1,000 per violation.
California has previously enacted various regulations pertaining to AI but aims to set a new precedent with these specific safety measures designed for chatbot interactions. Current chatbot technologies, such as Character.AI and Replika, have faced backlash following negative incidents involving young users, amplifying the call for more stringent regulations.
Advocacy groups are also pushing for stronger protections, raising concerns that amendments to the bills could dilute their efficacy. The tech industry has responded by increasing financial support for Super PACs aimed at opposing stringent regulations related to AI chatbots. As AI technologies continue to advance rapidly, many parents and lawmakers remain increasingly worried about child safety and mental health.
Lawmakers emphasize the need for “commonsense guardrails” as artificial intelligence evolves and increasingly influences the lives of minors. The passage of these bills marks a critical step in addressing the balance between innovation and the essential protection of vulnerable populations.
FAQ
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 does Senate Bill 243 require from 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. Chatbot operators would also have to notify minor users every three hours to take breaks and remind them they are engaging with AI.
What is the private right of action included in SB 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.
What are the concerns regarding AI chatbots and minors?
Concerns have escalated about chatbots exposing minors to harmful content, including self-harm and sexual exploitation, with parents filing lawsuits against tech companies alleging that their chatbots encouraged teenage suicides.
Key Features of California’s AI Chatbot Safety Bills
| Bill Name | Main Provisions | Impacted Demographic | Potential Consequences for Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly Bill 1064 | Prohibits availability of companion chatbots to minors if harmful | Residents under 18 | N/A |
| Senate Bill 243 | Requires disclosure of AI interaction, safety measures | Minor users | Individual lawsuits for damages up to $1,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: California Lawmakers Pass AI Chatbot Regulation Bills
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- TechCrunch: California Bill to Regulate AI Companion Chatbots
- Google Search: California AI chatbots regulation
- StateScoop: California Bill on Harmful Chatbots
- Google Scholar: AI chatbots regulation California
- Crowell: California’s Chatbot Bill Compliance Burdens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chatbot
- Sacramento Bee: Capitol Alert on Chatbot Bills
- Google News: AI chatbots California regulation
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
