# Companion Chatbots (SB 243)

- **Jurisdiction:** California (US-CA)
- **Type:** Law · **Status:** In force · **Binding:** yes
- **Issued by:** California Legislature / Governor
- **Proposed:** — · **Adopted:** 13 Oct 2025 · **Effective:** 1 Jan 2026
- **Next milestone:** 1 Jul 2027: Operators' first annual reports to the Office of Suicide Prevention
- **Obligations:** Transparency to users, Consumer rights, Incident reporting, Penalties
- **Sectors:** Consumer, Children, Health
- **Penalties:** Private right of action for persons injured by a violation

## Summary
Requires operators of 'companion chatbot' platforms to disclose that users are talking to AI, maintain protocols to detect and respond to suicidal ideation and self-harm (including crisis referrals), and, for known minors, give break reminders and block sexually explicit content. Operators must publish their protocols and report annually to the Office of Suicide Prevention.

## Why it matters
Consumer chatbot and AI-companion apps serving Californians need AI disclosure, crisis-response and minor-protection features, and face private lawsuits for non-compliance.

## Source
[Office of the Governor of California](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/13/governor-newsom-signs-bills-to-further-strengthen-californias-leadership-in-protecting-children-online) · [secondary](https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb243)
Checked against the source on 4 Oct 2026. Chapter 677, Statutes of 2025.

## Cite
Companion Chatbots (SB 243). California Legislature / Governor. Status: In force. wheresthe.ai, https://wheresthe.ai/rule/us-ca-sb243-companion-chatbots-2025/ (verified 4 Oct 2026).

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Canonical page: https://wheresthe.ai/rule/us-ca-sb243-companion-chatbots-2025/ · Not legal advice.