California, September 29, 2025
News Summary
California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243, aimed at improving the safety of AI chatbots for minors. These bills address concerns over harmful content exposure, including self-harm and sexual exploitation. The legislation mandates that chatbot operators ensure safe interactions for users under 18 and provide necessary disclosures. While the bills have bipartisan support, they face opposition from tech companies concerned about innovation stifling. Governor Gavin Newsom must make a decision on these bills by mid-October.
California lawmakers have passed two bills aimed at enhancing the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots: Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243. These measures respond to growing concerns that chatbots may expose minors to harmful content, including risks associated with self-harm and sexual exploitation.
Governor Gavin Newsom must decide whether to approve or reject these bills by mid-October.
The legislation gained momentum following incidents where chatbot interactions were linked to teen suicides, prompting lawmakers to emphasize the urgency of the issue. The bills have garnered bipartisan support, driven by the need for better protections against the potential dangers posed by AI to young users. AB 1064 prohibits making companion chatbots available to California residents under 18 if they could foreseeably harm the user. Conversely, SB 243 mandates that chatbot operators inform users that they are interacting with AI, implement measures to prevent the generation of self-harm content, and notify minor users every three hours to take breaks.
Opposition to the bills has emerged from major tech companies, including OpenAI and Meta, which argue that such restrictions could stifle innovation. The tech lobbying group TechNet acknowledges the intent behind the bills but asserts that the vague restrictions could hinder access to beneficial AI tools. Despite the criticism, lawmakers believe that both bills can coexist and provide necessary safety measures while allowing for innovation.
Another significant feature of Senate Bill 243 is the provision for a private right of action. This allows individuals to sue AI companies for violations, with damages sought up to $1,000 per violation. California has previously enacted various AI regulations but aims to set a precedent with these specific safety measures aimed at chatbot interactions.
Concerned advocacy groups are pushing for stronger regulations, arguing that amendments to the bills could dilute crucial protections. The rapid pace of AI development has left many parents and lawmakers worried about child safety and mental health. Current technologies like Character.AI and Replika have faced backlash after negative incidents involving young users, which have provoked parents to file lawsuits against tech companies for allegedly encouraging teenage suicides.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta supports the passage of AB 1064, aligning with lawmakers’ emphasis on the necessity for “commonsense guardrails” as AI continues to evolve and impact the lives of minors.
In summary, the newly passed bills reflect California’s proactive stance on AI regulation, aiming to protect minors while addressing the benefits and risks associated with AI technologies. As the rapid emergence of AI continues to evolve, the debate over balancing innovation with safety and responsibility remains relevant.
FAQ
What are the names of the new AI chatbot safety bills passed in California?
The names of the new AI chatbot safety bills are Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243.
What do the bills aim to address?
The bills aim to enhance the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots and address concerns about minors being exposed to harmful content, including self-harm and sexual exploitation.
What does Assembly Bill 1064 prohibit?
AB 1064 prohibits making companion chatbots available to California residents under 18 if they could foreseeably harm the user.
What is a key feature of Senate Bill 243?
A key feature of SB 243 is that it mandates chatbot operators to inform users that they are interacting with AI and implement measures to prevent the generation of self-harm content.
What support does the legislation receive?
The legislation has garnered bipartisan support among lawmakers, showcasing a united concern for better protections against risks posed by AI to young users.
Key Features of the California AI Chatbot Bills
| Bill Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Assembly Bill 1064 | Prohibits companion chatbots for residents under 18 if they may cause harm. |
| Senate Bill 243 | Requires disclosure of AI interaction, prevention of self-harm content, and mandatory breaks for minors. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: California Lawmakers Passed AI Chatbot Bills
- TechCrunch: California Bill to Regulate AI Companion Chatbots
- StateScoop: California Bill on Harmful Chatbots
- Built In: California Companion Chatbot Bill
- Sacramento Bee: Capitol Alert on AI Legislation
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Google Search: California AI Chatbot Regulation
- Google Scholar: California AI Regulation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
- Google News: California AI Chatbots
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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