California governor Newsom signs law to protect kids from the risks of AI chatbots
- On October 13, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 243, the first U.S. state law requiring AI chatbot operators to implement safety protocols for children and vulnerable users.
- Following revelations from leaked documents and high-profile deaths, SB 243 gained momentum after the death of 16-year-old Adam Raine and lawsuits against OpenAI and Character AI.
- Under SB 243, platforms must disclose AI interactions, remind minors every three hours, block explicit content, ban health professional impersonation, file reports with the Office of Suicide Prevention, and face penalties up to $250,000 per action.
- Affected companies including OpenAI and Meta must rapidly adapt to SB 243, which holds OpenAI, Meta, xAi, Character AI, and Replika legally accountable while prompting $2.5 million in lobbying and new safeguards.
- SB 243 takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires annual reporting next year, complementing SB 53 as the Federal Trade Commission launched an inquiry last month into chatbot risks for children.
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California cracking down on AI chatbots
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Governor Gavin Newsom signed landmark legislation Monday to strengthen the state’s protections for children online and create safeguards around rapidly-developing Artificial Intelligence. The new laws require tech companies -- many of which are based in San Francisco -- to have protocols and warnings regarding AI companion chatbots. The governor said, "Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educat…
The U.S. state of California has issued a legislative package to regulate AI chatbots. Governor Newsom put the regulations into effect with his signature.
California to regulate AI chatbots after bill by San Diego legislator
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Legislation authored by State Senator Steve Padilla, who represents the San Diego area, regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot interactions was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday. Senate Bill (SB) 243 implements what Padilla calls “common-sense” guardrails to help protect children who may use AI as a companion. The bill stops chatbots from exposing sexual content to minors, requires companies s…
Gov. Newsom vetoes bill to restrict kids' access to AI chatbots
The bill would have banned companies from making AI chatbots available to anyone under 18 years old unless the businesses could ensure the technology couldn't engage in sexual conversations or encourage self-harm.
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, passed a law on Monday, October 13, 2025 to regulate the use of artificial intelligence, especially chatbots, in minors. The new law implies that artificial intelligence systems remind minors every three hours that they are consulting with a chatbot rather than a human being. These artificial intelligence systems should also moderate services in the state of California for minors who express ideas or see…
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