This page explains the laws for users. It is not legal advice.
The two laws at a glance
| New York | California (SB 243) | |
|---|---|---|
| In force | November 5, 2025 | January 1, 2026 (reports from July 1, 2027) |
| Who is covered | All users | All users, with extra rules for known minors |
| “You are talking to an AI” | At the start and at least every 3 hours | Clear, conspicuous disclosure |
| Self-harm protocol | Detect and refer to crisis services | Prevent self-harm content, refer to crisis services, publish the protocol |
| Minors | — | Break reminders every 3 hours, no sexually explicit images |
| Reporting | None | Annual report to the Office of Suicide Prevention |
| Enforcement | Attorney General, up to $15,000 a day | Private lawsuits, at least $1,000 per violation |
New York: the AI companion models law
New York’s rules (General Business Law, Article 47) cover AI systems that simulate a sustained, human-like relationship: they remember past conversations, ask unprompted emotional questions and keep up an ongoing personal dialogue. That describes every AI girlfriend app we review.
Operators must:
- Tell you that you are talking to an AI, at the start of a conversation and at least every three hours of continued use.
- Detect expressions of suicidal thoughts or self-harm and point you to crisis services.
The Attorney General enforces it, with civil penalties of up to $15,000 per day, and the money goes to suicide prevention programs.
California: SB 243, companion chatbots
California’s law covers chatbots that give human-like responses and can meet a user’s social needs. Operators must:
- Disclose clearly that the chatbot is artificial when a reasonable person could think it is human.
- Have and publish a protocol to prevent suicide and self-harm content and refer users to crisis lines.
- For users known to be minors: remind them at least every three hours to take a break and that the chatbot is not human, and take reasonable measures to stop sexually explicit images.
- Report yearly to the California Office of Suicide Prevention, starting July 1, 2027.
Anyone harmed by a violation can sue for actual damages or $1,000 per violation, whichever is higher.
What changes for you as an adult user
- More reminders that she is an AI. You may see a disclosure at the start of chats and during long sessions. That is the law working, not a bug.
- Safety responses. If a conversation turns to self-harm, the app should step out of character and share crisis resources.
- Nothing changes for adult content between adults in these two laws; the explicit-image rule targets minors.
- Stronger age checks are likely as apps protect themselves.
How we use these laws in our rankings
Safety rules count for 5% of every score in our methodology: we check whether each app discloses that it is AI, whether it has a visible crisis protocol, and how it keeps minors out. Apps without any age check are not ranked at all.
If you need help now
In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time. You can also text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Sources: New York General Business Law Article 47; California Senate Bill 243 (2025); summary by Morrison Foerster.
Questions people ask
Are AI girlfriend apps legal in the US?
Yes, for adults. New York and California regulate how companion apps must behave (AI disclosure, crisis protocols, protecting minors); they do not ban them.
Why does my AI girlfriend keep saying she is an AI?
Because the law may require it. New York requires a reminder at the start of a session and at least every three hours. California requires a clear disclosure that the chatbot is not human.
Do these laws apply to me as a user?
No. The obligations are on the app operators. As a user you benefit from them, and in California you can sue an operator that breaks the law and harms you.
What happens if I mention self-harm to an AI girlfriend?
Apps covered by these laws must respond by pointing you to crisis services. In the US you can call or text 988 at any time.
Do other states have AI companion laws?
Several states have proposed similar bills. We update this page when new laws take effect.
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