Companion Chatbots (SB 243)

In forceLawBinding

Requires operators of 'companion chatbot' platforms to disclose that users are talking to AI, maintain protocols to detect and respond to suicidal ideation and self-harm (including crisis referrals), and, for known minors, give break reminders and block sexually explicit content. Operators must publish their protocols and report annually to the Office of Suicide Prevention.

Why it matters

Consumer chatbot and AI-companion apps serving Californians need AI disclosure, crisis-response and minor-protection features, and face private lawsuits for non-compliance.

What it requires

Transparency to usersConsumer rightsIncident reportingPenalties

Penalties

Private right of action for persons injured by a violation

SourceOffice of the Governor of California: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/13/governor-newsom-signs-bills-to-further-strengthen-californias-leadership-in-protecting-children-online Secondary: https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb243 Checked against the source on 4 Oct 2026. Chapter 677, Statutes of 2025.

Cite this record

Companion Chatbots (SB 243). California Legislature / Governor. Status: In force. wheresthe.ai, https://wheresthe.ai/rule/us-ca-sb243-companion-chatbots-2025/ (verified 4 Oct 2026).

Line of Thought

Developments connected to this rule

What has happened that this rule shapes, or that shapes it. Pick one to keep following the thread.

DevelopmentCharacter.AI and Google agree to settle lawsuits over teen suicides and self-harm7 Jan 2026 · Enforcement or ruling · US
DevelopmentCalifornia enacts SB 1119 requiring child-safety risk assessments for companion chatbots10 Sep 2026 · Rule change · US-CA
DevelopmentOfcom opens Online Safety Act probe into X over Grok sexualised deepfakes12 Jan 2026 · Enforcement or ruling · GB, EU
DevelopmentFTC begins enforcing TAKE IT DOWN Act's 48-hour removal duty for intimate deepfakes19 May 2026 · Enforcement or ruling · US
DevelopmentFTC orders seven firms to explain how AI companion chatbots protect children11 Sep 2025 · Enforcement or ruling · US
DevelopmentChina issues companion-AI rules banning virtual partners for minors10 Apr 2026 · Rule change · CN

Companion Chatbots (SB 243)

Why it matters

What it requires

Penalties

Cite this record

Developments connected to this rule

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