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Bill

SB 243

Companion chatbots.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Becker and 5 co-sponsors

California law requires companion chatbots to disclose they're not human, restricts marketing to minors, and penalizes violations to protect users from deceptive AI relationships.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 677, Statutes of 2025.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 243

Legislative bill overview

SB 243 regulates companion chatbots—AI systems designed to simulate emotional connection or romantic relationships—by requiring clear disclosure that users are interacting with a bot, not a human. The bill restricts marketing these services to minors and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Why is this important

Companion chatbots present emerging psychological and social risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. As AI becomes more sophisticated at simulating intimacy, regulatory clarity protects users from potential manipulation while the technology is still relatively nascent, preventing normalization of AI relationships that could affect human connection patterns.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Disclosure requirements and restrictions on marketing may face First Amendment challenges regarding how AI companies can advertise their services
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill's classification of which chatbots qualify as "companion" bots versus general-purpose AI assistants could create compliance uncertainty and litigation
  • Age verification burden: Restricting access to minors requires effective age-gating mechanisms, which are technically difficult and may burden legitimate AI service providers with enforcement costs
  • Timing and feasibility: The technology is evolving rapidly, and regulations enacted today may quickly become outdated or unintentionally restrict beneficial applications of conversational AI

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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