Disruption

Oregon, Wash. pass first companion chatbot bills of ’26

The issue has exploded in legislatures.
(AP Illustration/Peter Hamlin)

Oregon and Washington are poised to regulate companion chatbots after lawmakers in both states approved measures aimed at protecting kids and adults from potential harms related to interacting with artificial intelligence.

Oregon lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a measure last week, while Washington lawmakers gave final approval to a bill Wednesday.

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