California SB 243 (companion chatbots)
In force California · In force Jan 1, 2026 · next deadline Jul 1, 2027 (in 9 months)
Deadlines
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.
Related
CCPA / CPRA
Colorado AI Act
Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)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.