New California ‘Companion Chatbot’ Law Imposes Disclosure, Safety Protocol and Annual Reporting Requirements

California has enacted Senate Bill No. 243 (SB 243), establishing the first comprehensive state law specifically regulating “companion chatbots” — artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to provide adaptive, human-like social interactions. Key provisions include mandatory disclosure that users are interacting with such chatbots, implementation of protocols to prevent the dissemination of harmful content (such as relating to suicide or self-harm, or sexually explicit material), and annual…
By: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP