AI Companion Chatbot
An AI system designed to simulate a sustained human-like relationship with a user.
How the laws define this
Regulatory frameworks titled Regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots consistently define these systems as artificial intelligence that provides adaptive, human-like responses or experiences through natural language, with the core capability to sustain a relationship or ongoing dialogue over multiple interactions. They diverge primarily in their explicit scope exclusions and specific feature requirements. Two instruments expressly narrow their coverage by carving out general virtual assistants, alongside customer service bots in one text and internal business tools in another. In contrast, the third instrument omits exclusions entirely, focusing instead on whether the system exhibits anthropomorphic features. Furthermore, while the first instrument specifically requires systems to remember past interactions and ask personal questions to simulate a relational experience, the others focus on adaptive natural language interfaces. Compliance professionals evaluating applicability must account for these differing scope boundaries.
Synthesised from the 3 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
What it triggers
- In Washington, operators of AI companion chatbots must make transparency disclosures and provide safeguards for minors.source
- Under Washington SB 5984, operators of AI companion chatbots would be required to ensure transparency, protect minors from harmful content, and implement suicide prevention protocols.
Definitions (3)
An artificial intelligence system specifically engineered to engage in ongoing, personalized dialogue, remember past interactions, and ask personal questions, thereby simulating a human-like relational experience. These systems are distinct from general AI applications like customer service bots or virtual assistants.
An artificial intelligence system that utilizes natural language interfaces, provides adaptive human-like responses, and is capable of sustaining a relationship over multiple interactions, excluding general virtual assistants or internal business tools.
An artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions.
Questions and answers
What transparency requirements apply to AI companion chatbots in Washington?
Washington House Bill 2225 requires operators of AI companion chatbots to make transparency disclosures. It also mandates safeguards for minors. The law was signed on March 24, 2026, and is currently awaiting entry.
Does Washington SB 5984 regulate AI companion chatbots?
Washington SB 5984, which is under review, would regulate AI companion chatbots by mandating transparency, protecting minors from harmful content, and requiring suicide prevention protocols.
What distinguishes AI companion chatbots from general virtual assistants?
AI companion chatbots are capable of sustaining a relationship over multiple interactions and exhibit anthropomorphic features, unlike general virtual assistants or internal business tools.