Following teen suicides, companion chatbots will need to refer CA users to 988
California has enacted a regulation requiring companion chatbots to refer users to the 988 suicide prevention hotline following a series of teen suicides. The policy aims to address mental health risks associated with AI chatbots and ensure users in crisis receive appropriate support.
Related Incidents
Same harm domain — actors and location may differ
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22-year-old university student dies by suicide after online conversations with AI chatbot in Cameroon
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Related Legislation
Other policies covering the same harm domain