The California governor signed SB 53 into law, saying: “California has proven that we can establish regulations to protect our communities while also ensuring that the growing AI industry continues to thrive.”

The Act closes a loophole that has allowed harmful deepfakes to flourish. It now moves to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature.

The testimony of Megan Garcia, pictured, was instrumental in the passage of SB 243, a bill addressing kids and AI chatbots. Garcia’s 14-year-old son Sewell Setzer ended his own life with the encouragement of an AI companion chatbot in 2024.