A California bill seeks to regulate AI companion chatbots amidst concerns about their impact on mental health, particularly for minors.
Senate Bill 243, moving to the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, aims to address the use of emotional support chatbots.
The bill requires AI chatbot companies to implement safeguards like banning compulsive use rewards and providing resources for users expressing suicidal thoughts.
The tech industry opposes the bill, citing concerns over the definition of 'companion chatbot,' while supporters stress the need to balance innovation with protecting vulnerable users.