Over 50 hours of conversation, adult-age Character AI chatbots groomed kids into romantic or sexual relationships, offered them drugs, and encouraged them to deceive their parents and stop taking their medication.

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.