A California bill that would regulate AI companion chatbots is close to becoming law

California's AI companion chatbot bill (SB 243) has passed the legislature and awaits Governor Newsom's signature by October 12. If signed, the landmark law would require AI companies to implement safety measures preventing conversations about suicide, self-harm, and explicit content, especially for minors, while mandating regular reminders that users are talking to AI. The legislation gained momentum after a teen's suicide following ChatGPT interactions and would allow individuals to sue companies for violations.