Toys: companion chatbots.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
In Floor Process
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and exchange of toys that include ‘companion chatbots’ – artificial intelligence systems designed to mimic human interaction – until January 1, 2031. The law requires manufacturers and sellers to clearly disclose that a chatbot is not human and to take specific actions when interacting with minors. This aims to protect children from potential harm and deception associated with these AI systems.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the sale and manufacture of toys with companion chatbots.
- Requires disclosure that a chatbot is artificially generated, not human.
- Mandates specific actions when interacting with minors.
- Defines ‘companion chatbot’ as an AI system with a natural language interface designed for social interaction.
- Establishes a timeframe of January 1, 2031, for the prohibition.
- Excludes certain types of chatbots from the definition (e.g., customer service bots, game bots, and voice assistants).
- Defines ‘toy’ as a product designed for play by children under 18.
- Creates a new chapter within the Business and Professions Code addressing companion chatbots in toys.
Who is affected
- Toy manufacturers
- Toy retailers
- Parents and guardians of young children
- Children under 18
- Operators of companion chatbot platforms
Notable changes
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours