California, September 29, 2025
News Summary
California lawmakers have passed two significant bills aimed at enhancing the safety of AI chatbots, specifically to protect minors from potential mental health risks. Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243 require chatbot operators to disclose their AI nature and prevent harmful content, while prohibiting the availability of certain chatbots to minors. These bills are now awaiting the Governor’s approval, amidst concerns from parents and advocacy groups over the impact of such technologies on young users.
California lawmakers have passed two significant bills aimed at enhancing the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots, addressing mounting concerns over the mental health risks they pose to minors. The two bills, Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243, are awaiting approval or rejection from Governor Gavin Newsom by mid-October. The measures are designed to regulate chatbot interactions for users under 18, amid rising anxiety from parents and advocates about potential harm.
With high-profile incidents of teenage suicides allegedly connected to interactions with chatbots, the urgency of the issue has been heightened. The legislation will enact restrictions preventing companies from making companion chatbots available to California residents under 18 if they could foreseeably harm the user, as outlined in AB 1064. Furthermore, SB 243 requires that chatbot operators disclose that users are interacting with an AI, implement measures to prevent the generation of self-harm content, and remind minor users every three hours to take breaks.
Opposition to the bills has emerged from tech companies including OpenAI and Meta, which argue that these restrictions may stifle innovation by imposing vague limits on chatbot functionality. Despite this opposition, a bipartisan group of lawmakers supports the bills, affirming that they can coexist with technological advancement while providing the necessary safeguards. Lawmakers emphasize the demand for “commonsense guardrails” as AI technologies continue to evolve and influence the lives of young users.
The backdrop for these legislative actions includes a series of lawsuits filed by parents against tech companies, alleging that the companies’ chatbots encouraged self-harm and suicide among teenagers. As chatbots like Character.AI and Replika have faced criticism following incidents involving young users, advocacy groups have intensified calls for stronger regulations to protect minors from harmful content.
SB 243 also proposes a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue AI companies for violations, with damages capped at $1,000 per violation. These bills follow California’s previous enactments of various AI regulations but aim to establish a precedent specifically addressing safety in chatbot interactions. The California Attorney General Rob Bonta has publicly expressed support for the passage of AB 1064.
As concerns about chatbot exposure to harmful content grow, tech lobbying group TechNet acknowledges the intent behind the laws but warns that they may impose restrictive and vague guidelines that could impede access to beneficial AI tools. Additionally, financial efforts are being made by tech companies to oppose strict regulations through support for Super PACs. As AI development accelerates rapidly, parents and lawmakers remain vigilant about the mental health of minors in relation to these technologies.
Key Features of the New Legislation
- AB 1064: Prohibits certain chatbots from being made available to minors if they could foreseeably harm users.
- SB 243: Requires chatbot operators to disclose the nature of AI interactions and establish preventive measures against self-harm content.
- Minor users must receive reminders about breaks every three hours.
- Private right of action under SB 243 allows for lawsuits against AI companies for violations.
- Bipartisan support acknowledges the need for safeguards in rapidly evolving AI technology.
Background Context
The rapid development of AI technologies has sparked concerns regarding the mental health and safety of young users. California aims to be at the forefront of establishing regulations that protect minors from the risks associated with AI, especially in the realm of chatbot interactions. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the legislature’s actions, as these could set significant benchmarks for future regulations across the country.
FAQ
What are Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243 about?
The two bills aim to enhance the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots, specifically protecting minors from harmful content and interactions.
What does AB 1064 prohibit?
AB 1064 prohibits making companion chatbots available to California residents under 18 if they could foreseeably harm the user.
What requirements does SB 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.
Chart of Key Features of the Bills
| Feature | AB 1064 | SB 243 |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibits harmful chatbots to minors | Yes | No |
| Disclosure of AI interaction | No | Yes |
| Prevention of self-harm content | No | Yes |
| Mandatory breaks for minors | No | Yes |
| Private right of action for violations | No | Yes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: California Lawmakers Pass Bills to Regulate AI Chatbots
- TechCrunch: California Bill Close to Becoming Law
- StateScoop: California Bill Targeting Harmful Chatbots
- Built In: Overview of California’s SB 243 Chatbot Bill
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego 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 the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
