WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 1 REQUIREMENT TYPE
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
(1) For the purposes of this section, the term "companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, or uses previous user interactions when simulating an interpersonal relationship in future interactions. An interpersonal relationship shall include, but shall not be limited to, romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationships that are between the covered user and a fictional or non-fictional character or group of characters.Gen. Bus. Law § 399-bbbb(1)" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, or uses previous user interactions when simulating an interpersonal relationship in future interactions. An interpersonal relationship shall include, but shall not be limited to, romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationships that are between the covered user and a fictional or non-fictional character or group of characters.
(2) 1 Any person, corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, limited partnership, association or any other business entity operating a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, or uses previous user interactions when simulating an interpersonal relationship in future interactions. An interpersonal relationship shall include, but shall not be limited to, romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationships that are between the covered user and a fictional or non-fictional character or group of characters.Gen. Bus. Law § 399-bbbb(1) in the state of New York shall include a clear and conspicuous warning that such companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, or uses previous user interactions when simulating an interpersonal relationship in future interactions. An interpersonal relationship shall include, but shall not be limited to, romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationships that are between the covered user and a fictional or non-fictional character or group of characters.Gen. Bus. Law § 399-bbbb(1) can foster dependency and carries a psychological risk. Such warning shall be placed prominently on the website hosting such companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, or uses previous user interactions when simulating an interpersonal relationship in future interactions. An interpersonal relationship shall include, but shall not be limited to, romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationships that are between the covered user and a fictional or non-fictional character or group of characters.Gen. Bus. Law § 399-bbbb(1) and be made available in any language in which the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, or uses previous user interactions when simulating an interpersonal relationship in future interactions. An interpersonal relationship shall include, but shall not be limited to, romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationships that are between the covered user and a fictional or non-fictional character or group of characters.Gen. Bus. Law § 399-bbbb(1) is set to communicate.
Section 399-bbbb creates a single, straightforward obligation: any entity operating a companion chatbot in New York must display a prominent warning that the chatbot can foster dependency and carries a psychological risk. The warning must appear on the hosting website and be available in every language in which the chatbot communicates.
Subsection 1 defines companion chatbot broadly — covering any chatbot whose primary function is simulating interpersonal relationships or that uses prior interactions to build simulated relationships over time. The definition explicitly enumerates relationship types including romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, therapeutic, and stranger relationships with fictional or non-fictional characters.
The bill contains no enforcement mechanism, no penalties, and no private right of action, leaving enforcement to existing General Business Law authority.