California Enacts AI Companion Chatbot Safety Law (SB 243)

California’s SB 243 is a law about “companion chatbots,” meaning AI systems built to hold ongoing, human-like conversations. Governor Gavin Newsom signed it on October 13, 2025, and it took effect on January 1, 2026. This page summarizes what the law says, using the state’s bill record and legal analyses. It is not legal advice. For the exact wording, read the bill text.

Who the law covers

The law applies to operators of companion chatbot platforms available to users in California. A Future of Privacy Forum analysis describes a companion chatbot as an AI system that gives adaptive, human-like responses, can meet a user’s social needs, and can sustain a relationship across many conversations. It leaves out bots used only for customer service or internal work, some video game characters, and stand-alone voice assistants. Where a product falls on that line may be argued over.

What operators must do

• Tell users they are talking to AI, with a clear and conspicuous notice, when a reasonable person could think they were talking to a human.
• Keep a protocol to prevent the chatbot from producing content about suicidal thoughts, suicide or self-harm, and publish details of that protocol on the operator’s website.
• Point users to crisis resources, such as a crisis line, when they express thoughts of self-harm.
• Say that companion chatbots may not be suitable for some minors.

Extra rules when the user is a known minor

When the operator knows the user is a minor, FPF reports that the operator must:

• Disclose that the user is talking to AI.
• Remind the user to take a break every three hours during long sessions.
• Take reasonable steps to keep the chatbot from suggesting or engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The phrase “knows the user is a minor” matters. The law does not itself require age verification, according to FPF. Whether an operator “knows” can depend on what information it collects.

Reporting and enforcement

Beginning July 1, 2027, operators must report each year to California’s Office of Suicide Prevention, including how they detect and respond to suicidal thoughts. Reports must not contain personal information about users, and the office is to post the data on its website (CalMatters bill page). People who are injured by a violation can sue. FPF reports damages of at least $1,000 plus injunctive relief and attorney’s fees.

What SB 243 does not do

Some news summaries mixed SB 243 with other laws signed the same day. According to the Governor’s announcement:

• A separate bill, AB 1043, deals with age signals from operating systems and app stores.
• A separate bill, AB 621, covers civil claims over sexually explicit deepfakes, with up to $250,000 per action.
• Rules stopping chatbots from presenting themselves as health care professionals come from a different bill, AB 489.

The Governor’s office described the reporting as going to the Department of Public Health. The bill record lists the Office of Suicide Prevention, and we have used that.

What to expect

The law sets a floor. It does not ban companion chatbots for teens, and it does not address heavy use or emotional dependence. How well it works will depend on how companies comply and how courts read it. We have not found court decisions applying it.

Struggling with suicidal thoughts, or worried about someone who is? Contact 988 by phone or text. Send HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line. SAMHSA’s number is 1-800-662-4357. Emergency services are on 911. For a parent’s view of the law, see our family guide to SB 243.

When did SB 243 take effect?

January 1, 2026. Governor Newsom signed it on October 13, 2025. The first annual reports to the Office of Suicide Prevention are due starting July 1, 2027.

Does SB 243 require age verification?

Not on its own terms, according to the analyses we read. Its minor protections apply when an operator knows a user is a minor. Age signals are the subject of a separate law, AB 1043.

Does SB 243 apply to ChatGPT?

It depends on how a product is used and designed. The law covers systems that can meet social needs and sustain a relationship across conversations. The analyses we read note that the boundaries may be tested. Ask a lawyer about a specific case.

This page is for education only. It is not legal advice.