California lawmakers have advanced SB 243, a bill introducing new regulations for AI chatbots, following recent moves to increase transparency in the sector.

Character AI, a chatbot platform, said it displays a disclaimer noting that all conversations are AI-generated and fictional.

The company is open to cooperating with regulators and will comply with SB 243 if enacted.

Senator Padilla, who supports the bill, said it aims to set guardrails for powerful AI technologies and called for swift action to protect vulnerable groups.

This follows California’s SB 53, signed into law on September 29, which requires large AI firms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google DeepMind to disclose safety practices and offers whistleblower protections.

Several other states, including Illinois, Nevada, and Utah, have passed laws limiting or banning AI chatbots when used as substitutes for licensed mental healthcare.

🔗 Source: TechCrunch