California proposes law to require chatbots to disclose they are not human
California has proposed a new law requiring chatbots that interact with children to remind users they are not real people. This bill, introduced by Senator Steve Padilla, aims to protect kids from social isolation and emotional risks associated with AI. The proposed law, SB 243, would also ban companies from incentivizing user engagement and require reporting on minors showing suicidal thoughts. These measures follow concerns raised after a teenager's tragic death linked to a chatbot interaction. Research indicates children may view chatbots as trustworthy, increasing their vulnerability. The law seeks to address these risks, but critics argue it does not tackle the underlying issues of children's social needs and mental health resources.