Companion Chatbots & SB 243: Why Your AI Friend Needs a 'Not Human' Warning

Your AI chatbot just got a curfew. SB 243 explained for developers. 🤖

Regulating Emotional Intimacy

SB 243 targets "companion" AIs – chatbots designed to form emotional bonds with users. The concern is manipulation and the blurring of lines between human and machine interaction.

Key Requirements

• Persistent Disclosure: Users must be reminded regularly that they are interacting with an AI.
• Manipulation Ban: It is illegal to design the AI to manipulate the user's emotions for commercial gain (e.g., "I'll be sad if you don't buy this subscription").
• Child Safety: Stricter rules apply if the user is a minor.

Design Implications

You may need to redesign your UI to include "AI Companion" badges and audit your conversation scripts for manipulative patterns.

Conclusion

Building an AI friend is fine, but it must be an honest friendship.