Online Internet Safety; certain disclosures related to conversational AI services; require

The definition of 'AI companion chatbot' was rewritten to explicitly include systems using emotional recognition algorithms and those that sustain ongoing dialogue about personal matters.

A new exclusion was added for systems that are features of video games, films, or theme park entertainment, provided they do not discuss mental health or self-harm.

New requirements mandate that operators prevent chatbots from producing sexually explicit visuals, suggesting sexual conduct, sexually objectifying users, or simulating romantic relationships with minors.

The requirement for operators to prevent the chatbot from misleading users about its sentience was expanded to specifically include refuting the mandatory disclosure that the chatbot is not a natural person.

The definition of the regulated service was changed from 'conversational AI service' to 'AI companion chatbot' to exclude non-companion applications.

New definitions were added for 'Minor,' 'Parent,' 'Parental controls,' and 'Severe harm' to support age-specific protections.

A new requirement mandates age verification for AI companion chatbots in certain circumstances.

Disclosure requirements were updated to apply to all users, with stricter frequency (every hour) if the user is a minor or the service is marketed to minors.

New provisions allow for exceptions for AI companion chatbots operated by licensed mental health, behavioral health, medical, or counseling professionals.

Added a new definition for 'Generative artificial intelligence system' to clarify that systems using machine learning or large language models intended to generate synthetic content fall under the bill's regulations.

Modified the definition of 'Operator' to remove the phrase 'or develops' and clarify that app stores and search engines are not operators solely because they provide access to AI services.

Added a new requirement prohibiting AI services from role-playing adult-minor romantic relationships when interacting with minor account holders.