California’s Senate Judiciary Committee, with bipartisan support, approved Senate Bill 243 this month, requiring that AI companies “protect users from the addictive, isolating, and influential aspects of artificial intelligence chatbots.” It is the first bill of its kind in the U.S.

On the day of the bill’s hearing, its author, U.S. Sen. Steve Padilla (D-Calif.), held a press conference where he was joined by Megan Garcia, who last year sued the AI company Character.ai, alleging that its chatbot had played a role in her son’s suicide.

Garcia testified in support of the bill, stating that such chatbots are “inherently dangerous” and can lead to inappropriate conversations or self-harm. “Technological innovation is crucial, but our children cannot be used as guinea pigs to test the safety of new products,” said Padilla.

Similar bills are currently working their way through legislatures in several states. These are vital steps in the right direction. Comparable legislation is urgently needed nationwide.

What is at stake? Our kids’ safety and emotional development and our capacity for critical thought — perhaps even our democracy.

A 2024 Pew Research poll found that nearly half of Americans reported using AI several times a week, with one in four using it “almost constantly.” A

© The Hill