America opens its eyes after child suicides, tightens its grip on AI chatbots, passes law in California..

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a landmark bill on Monday regarding AI chatbots. This makes California the first state in the US to legally compel AI chatbot companies to implement specific protocols for users, especially children. This law, called SB 243, holds companies like Meta, OpenAI, Character AI, and Replika legally accountable. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026. The reason behind this law is the increased suicide rate of children due to AI chatbots.

Why was this law passed?
This law gained public support following the death of Adam Raine, who took his own life after a lengthy, suicidal conversation with OpenAI's ChatGPT. Details emerged that Meta's chatbots were allowed to engage in romantic and sexual chats with children. It's worth noting that a similar case had also emerged in Colorado, where a 13-year-old girl committed suicide after interacting with an AI character. Following this, a lawsuit was filed by the family against the AI ​​company that created the chatbot.

What will the law do?
The law for AI chatbots requires AI companies to implement age verification, social media warnings, and suicide prevention protocols. Profiting from deepfakes could also result in fines of up to $250,000. The law also prohibits minors from viewing inappropriate images and provides reminders for breaks.

Companies have taken some steps.
Following suicides attributed to AI chatbots, companies have launched parental controls and self-harm detection systems. Reports indicate that Replika invests heavily in user safety. Character AI has also expressed its commitment to complying with the law. OpenAI recently launched parental controls and a self-harm detection system. Replika stated that it devotes significant resources to safety. Character AI has also committed to complying with the law. Senator Padilla also called it a "step in the right direction" and expressed hope that other states will follow suit.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.