On October 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 243 into law, establishing the first comprehensive state law specifically regulating “companion chatbots,” AI systems designed to provide adaptive, human-like social interactions.
The law requires chatbot operators to implement reasonable safeguards for AI interactions, such as requiring operators to notify minors that they are interacting with AI; maintain protocols to prevent the generation of content promoting suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm; publish details of these protocols on their websites; and submit annual safety reports to the Office of Suicide Prevention. It also grants families a private right to take legal action against developers who fail to comply or act negligently, providing statutory damages of $1,000 per violation, along with remedies including injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. Learn more.
Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by Aimed Alliance
