California AB1988 mandates companion chatbots to pause conversations and provide support options when detecting crisis expressions.

California AB1988, known as the Preventing AI User Self Endangerment (PAUSE) Act, requires operators of companion chatbots to implement protocols for identifying and responding to crisis expressions. When a chatbot detects a crisis expression, it must acknowledge the user's distress, encourage seeking human support, and provide contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For the first crisis expression, the chatbot warns the user about potential future pauses. If a second crisis expression is detected within 72 hours, the chatbot initiates a 20-minute pause.

California AB1988 mandates companion chatbots to pause conversations and provide support options when detecting crisis expressions.

California AB1988, known as the Preventing AI User Self Endangerment (PAUSE) Act, requires operators of companion chatbots to implement protocols for identifying and responding to crisis expressions. When a chatbot detects a crisis expression, it must acknowledge the user's distress, encourage seeking human support, and provide contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For the first crisis expression, the chatbot warns the user about potential future pauses. If a second crisis expression is detected within 72 hours, the chatbot initiates a 20-minute pause.