AI Companion
An AI model that communicates in natural language, simulating human conversation through text, audio, or video.
How the laws define this
Regulatory frameworks broadly agree that an AI companion involves technology designed to simulate or mimic human conversation using modalities like text, audio, and video. The Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Responsibility and Transparency Act and the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act both share this core focus on human-like interaction. However, the instruments diverge in their specific regulatory scopes. The Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act explicitly adds image generation and companionship simulation to identify covered systems. Conversely, the Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Responsibility and Transparency Act focuses on natural language to trigger specific safety disclosures concerning minors and self-harm or violent expressions. Departing from these direct definitions, An act to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting the manufacture and sale of chatbot toys; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof defines the term strictly through a cross-reference to subdivision four of section seventeen hundred of the New York General Business Law.
Synthesised from the 3 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first. Showing 2 of the 3 instruments that define this term; all are listed under Definitions below.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut, United States | Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Responsibility and Transparency Act | In Force | Adds specific safety and disclosure requirements for interactions with minors and detection of self-harm or violent expressions. |
| Hawaii, United States | Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act | In Force | Expands to systems generating images and video alongside text, audio, and interactive dialogue for simulated companionship. |
What it triggers
- In Connecticut, under the Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Responsibility and Transparency Act, it establishes specific safety and disclosure requirements.source
- In Hawaii, under the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act, it requires minor safety safeguards, crisis intervention protocols, and disclosures.source
- In New York, under Senate Bill S9408A which is Under Review, it would prohibit manufacturing or selling AI chatbot toys for children for five years.source
Definitions (4)
An AI companion refers to any artificial intelligence model designed to engage with individuals using natural language, mimicking human conversation and interaction across various modalities such as text, audio, or video. This definition is crucial for establishing specific safety and disclosure requirements, particularly concerning interactions with minors and the detection of self-harm or violent expressions.
Refers to an artificial intelligence system capable of generating text, images, audio, video, and interactive dialogue, and designed to simulate human conversation or companionship. This definition is crucial for identifying the types of AI systems regulated by the Act.
As defined in subdivision four of section seventeen hundred of the New York General Business Law, which is referenced by this bill.
An AI system utilizing artificial intelligence, generative models, or emotional recognition designed to simulate a sustained human-like relationship with a user. It accomplishes this by retaining memory of prior conversations, asking unprompted emotion-based questions, and maintaining sustained personal dialogue.
Questions and answers
What safety rules apply to AI companions in Connecticut?
Connecticut's Artificial Intelligence Responsibility and Transparency Act sets safety and disclosure requirements, especially for minors and detecting self-harm or violence. This applies to AI models mimicking human conversation across modalities.
What does Hawaii require for conversational AI companions?
Hawaii's Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act mandates minor safety safeguards, crisis intervention protocols, and disclosures for AI systems simulating human conversation or companionship.