# OpenAI backs California companion-chatbot safeguards for children

_Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT · Policy, AI · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![OpenAI backs California companion-chatbot safeguards for children — Primary](https://www.unite.ai/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/openai-backs-california-bill-youth-safety-companion-chatbots.jpg)

OpenAI said August 31 that it supports California Senate Bill 1119, a proposed measure imposing child-safety duties on companion-chatbot operators. The amended bill would require age determination or child protections by default, documented risk assessments before new or substantially modified products are made available, and child-safety policies. It also sets default limits on memory, notifications and use time for child users, with independent audits scheduled to begin in 2029. Most operative requirements would take effect July 1, 2027.

## Sources

- [Unite.AI](https://www.unite.ai/openai-backs-california-bill-on-youth-safety-rules-for-companion-chatbots/)

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Retrieved: 2026-09-01T08:29:43.918Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)