California has established the United States’ first regulatory framework governing emotional support chatbots through Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Senate Bill 243. This groundbreaking legislation mandates that digital companion technologies clearly identify themselves as automated systems and implement safeguards restricting sensitive interactions with minors.
The new regulations address growing concerns about the psychological impact of conversational technologies on young users. Under SB 243, developers must program emotional support chatbots to disclose their non-human nature during interactions and establish technical boundaries preventing deep personal exchanges with underage users.
This legislative action positions California at the forefront of digital consumer protection, creating precedent for how states might regulate increasingly sophisticated conversational technologies. The bill reflects lawmakers’ recognition of both the therapeutic potential and ethical considerations surrounding emotionally responsive digital systems.
Industry observers note these requirements could establish new development standards for companies creating relationship-simulating technologies. The legislation balances innovation with protective measures, potentially influencing similar regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions as digital companion technologies continue evolving.
