Hard Fork California Regulates A.I. Companions + OpenAI Investigates Its Critics + The Hard Fork Review of Slop
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Oct 17, 2025 Nathan Calvin, vice president of state affairs and general counsel at Encode, shares insights on California's landmark A.I. laws, including regulations for A.I. companions. He discusses the implications of a subpoena from OpenAI, humorously addressing claims of funding from tech billionaires. The conversation delves into A.I. governance and transparency while exploring the mixed messages from OpenAI regarding its mission. The guests also critique the rise of 'slop' in AI-generated content, from bizarre videos to disinformation, highlighting its cultural impact.
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California Requires Chatbots To Address Self-Harm
- California passed SB243 requiring chatbot developers to detect and address users expressing self-harm and report protocols to public health.
- The law mandates data reporting starting 2027 to build public-health evidence on chatbots' effects.
Companion Chatbots Face Broad New Rules
- California now requires chatbots to disclose AI-generated output and restrict sexual content for minors while prompting breaks for heavy use.
- SB243 applies broadly to any chatbot used as a companion, not just the largest platforms.
A Suite Of California AI And Social Media Laws
- California passed multiple AI bills: deepfake porn liability, tools to detect AI-generated media, youth social-media warnings, and age verification via device setup.
- SB53 creates transparency and whistleblower protections but is viewed as relatively weak compared with prior proposals.
