Regulationsby GlyphCalifornia SB 243 (companion chatbots)
In force California · In force Jan 1, 2026 · next deadline Jul 1, 2027 (in 8 months)
Deadlines
Coming up
First annual report to Office of Suicide PreventionOperators begin annual reporting on crisis referrals and detection protocols.
Already passed
Chatbot safeguards applyAI disclosure, suicide and self-harm protocols, and minor protections apply.
SB 243 signedSB 243 chaptered (ch. 677).
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Operators of companion chatbot platforms must clearly disclose that the chatbot is AI where a user could reasonably think they are talking to a human. They must keep and publish protocols that prevent suicidal-ideation and self-harm content and refer users to crisis services. For known minors, operators must disclose AI use, remind them every three hours to take a break, and block sexually explicit content. Annual reports to the Office of Suicide Prevention begin July 1, 2027.
- Who it applies to
- Operators of companion chatbot platforms available to users in California. No size threshold.
- Penalties
- Private right of action: injunctive relief, the greater of actual damages or $1,000 per violation, and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
- Enforced by
- Private right of action; Office of Suicide Prevention receives reports
- Official name
- California SB 243, Companion Chatbots (Stats. 2025, ch. 677)
- Citation
- SB 243 (2025), Stats. 2025, ch. 677
- Topics
- AI, Children, Online safety
Verified 2026-09-22
Research notes
Added as a major 2025 California AI law affecting consumer AI products.
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Questions about California SB 243 (companion chatbots)
- What are the California SB 243 (companion chatbots) compliance deadlines?
- Oct 13, 2025: SB 243 signed. Jan 1, 2026: Chatbot safeguards apply. Jul 1, 2027: First annual report to Office of Suicide Prevention.
- When does California SB 243 (companion chatbots) take effect?
- California SB 243 (companion chatbots) took effect on Jan 1, 2026. The next milestone is Jul 1, 2027: First annual report to Office of Suicide Prevention.
- Who does California SB 243 (companion chatbots) apply to?
- Operators of companion chatbot platforms available to users in California. No size threshold.
- What are the penalties under California SB 243 (companion chatbots)?
- Private right of action: injunctive relief, the greater of actual damages or $1,000 per violation, and reasonable attorney fees and costs.