California, September 29, 2025
News Summary
California lawmakers have approved two significant bills, AB 1064 and SB 243, aimed at improving the safety of AI chatbots for minors. The legislation seeks to prevent potential harm to users under 18 by limiting access to certain chatbots and mandating warning notifications regarding AI interactions. The bills emerge amid rising concerns over chatbot-induced mental health issues among minors, prompting both bipartisan support and opposition from tech companies. Governor Gavin Newsom will have to decide on these measures by mid-October, reflecting an urgent need for enhanced regulations in the swiftly evolving AI landscape.
California lawmakers have passed two bills aimed at enhancing the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots: Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243. These laws come amid growing concerns over the impact of chatbots on minors’ mental health, particularly in relation to exposure to harmful content. Governor Gavin Newsom must decide whether to approve or reject these bills by mid-October.
The primary aim of AB 1064 is to prohibit making companion chatbots available to California residents under the age of 18 if there is a foreseeable risk of harm to the user. SB 243 mandates that chatbot operators inform users they are engaging with artificial intelligence and implement measures to prevent the generation of self-harm content. Notably, this bill requires chatbot operators to warn minor users every three hours to take breaks, emphasizing the importance of user awareness in these interactions.
There have been rising concerns as parents have begun filing lawsuits against technology companies, claiming that their chatbots encouraged teenage suicides. This trend has heightened the urgency for legislative action. Recent high-profile incidents have further spotlighted the risks associated with chatbot interactions, prompting lawmakers to push for enhanced protections for young users.
Despite the support for these safety measures, several tech companies, including OpenAI and Meta, have opposed the bills, arguing that these restrictions could stifle innovation in AI development. The tech lobbying group TechNet has also voiced concerns, agreeing with the intent behind the bills, yet stating that the vague restrictions could inhibit access to beneficial AI tools.
The bipartisan support for the legislation reflects a shared agreement among lawmakers on prioritizing the safety of minors. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed support for the passage of AB 1064, aligning with the growing recognition of the need for more substantial regulatory measures in the face of rapid AI technology advances.
In an effort to enforce accountability, Senate Bill 243 includes a private right of action, which allows individuals to sue AI companies for violations, seeking damages up to $1,000 per violation. California has previously enacted various AI regulations, but these particular bills represent an effort to set a precedent for specific safety measures related to chatbot interactions.
The urgency for these bills has been underscored by growing worries over the mental health and safety of children interacting with current technologies, such as Character.AI and Replika, both of which have faced backlash after negative incidents involving young users. Advocacy groups are pressing for stronger regulations and have cautioned that any amendments made to the bills could dilute essential protections for minors.
In response to the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology and its increasing influence on children’s lives, lawmakers have emphasized the necessity for commonsense guardrails. They assert that balancing safety and innovation is achievable without compromising the beneficial advances that AI technology can provide.
FAQ
What are the recently passed bills regarding AI chatbot safety in California?
California lawmakers have passed two bills, Assembly Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 243, to enhance the safety of artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly with regard to protecting minors.
What does Assembly Bill 1064 propose?
AB 1064 prohibits making companion chatbots available to California residents under 18 if they could foreseeably harm the user.
What are the regulations included in Senate Bill 243?
SB 243 mandates that chatbot operators inform users they are interacting with an AI, implement measures to prevent the generation of self-harm content, and notify minor users every three hours to take breaks.
What actions can individuals take under Senate Bill 243?
SB 243 includes a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue AI companies for violations and seek damages up to $1,000 per violation.
What has prompted the need for these bills?
Concerns have escalated over chatbots exposing minors to harmful content, including self-harm and sexual exploitation, particularly after lawsuits have been filed claiming chatbots encouraged teenage suicides.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Assembly Bill 1064 | Senate Bill 243 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | California residents under 18 | All users, with special provisions for minors |
| Prohibitions | Companion chatbots that could harm users | Content that promotes self-harm |
| User Awareness | No specific requirement | Mandatory notification of AI interaction |
| User Break Notifications | No specific requirement | Every three hours for minor users |
| Private Right of Action | No provision | Allows individuals to sue for violations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: California Lawmakers Pass Bills to Regulate AI Chatbots
- TechCrunch: California Bill to Regulate AI Companion Chatbots
- Built In: Overview of SB 243 – California Companion Chatbot Bill
- Sacramento Bee: Capitol Alert on AI Legislation
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
