Noesion Radarnoesion.ai
Regulation2026-08-19

California enacted SB 243, a law setting rules for chatbots built to act as companions rather than for customer service or work tasks. Operators must tell users they are talking to a machine when a reasonable person could be misled, run and publish a protocol that routes talk of self-harm to crisis services, and give minors break reminders and protection from sexually explicit output. People harmed by a violation can sue, and annual reporting to the state Office of Suicide Prevention begins in mid-2027.

What changed

California had no specific disclosure or safety rules for chatbots designed to act as companions.

What it unlocks

Anyone harmed by a violation can sue for damages, an injunction and legal fees.

  • $1,000 minimum damages per violation
  • break reminder every 3 hours for minors
  • annual reports start 1 July 2027

What you need to act on it

  • operating a companion chatbot platform available to users in California

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