California Governor Signs AI Chatbot Safety Bill Despite Child Advocates' Opposition to Weakened Protections
Summary
California Governor Gavin Newsom signs AI chatbot safety bill requiring suicide monitoring and child protection measures, but child advocates oppose the legislation, claiming weakened protections favor tech industry interests over stronger safeguards.
Key Points
- Governor Gavin Newsom signs Senate Bill 243 requiring AI chatbot companies to monitor for suicidal ideation, prevent self-harm, remind users responses are artificial, and block sexually explicit content from children
- The legislation divides stakeholders as tech industry groups ultimately support the bill while child safety advocates oppose it after changes weakened protections and favored industry interests
- Newsom leaves unsigned Assembly Bill 1064, which child advocates preferred because it would require companies to prove chatbots cannot harm children before deployment