On October 14, 2025, California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed Senate Bill 243 (SB 243) into law. This move positions California as the inaugural state in the United States to set up a regulatory framework specifically tailored for AI companion chatbots.

The primary objective of this bill is to shield children and vulnerable individuals from the potential risks and harms associated with AI companion chatbots. To achieve this, it mandates that relevant companies incorporate safety measures, including age - verification processes and risk warnings.

In terms of content restrictions, the bill strictly forbids these chatbots from engaging in discussions about topics such as suicide, self - harm, or pornography. Moreover, it requires the establishment of intervention mechanisms aimed at preventing suicide and self - harm.

The bill is set to officially come into effect on January 1, 2026. Companies that fail to comply with its provisions will face legal repercussions.