The Oregon AI Companion Chatbot Law (SB 1546, 2026 Chapter 85) regulates AI companion chatbots, defined as AI systems designed to simulate sustained human-like platonic or romantic relationships by remembering prior sessions, asking unprompted emotional questions, and sustaining personal dialog. Signed April 1, 2026, it takes effect January 1, 2027.
What the Oregon AI Companion Chatbot Law Requires
Operators must disclose that users are interacting with AI whenever a reasonable person might believe otherwise, implement safeguards to detect signs of self-harm and refer users to crisis resources such as the 988 lifeline, and apply extra protections for minors, including repeated AI reminders, break prompts, and a ban on engagement-maximizing reward systems aimed at kids. Customer service bots, in-game characters, and voice assistants are excluded.
The First Private Right of Action
Enforcement is what makes this law nationally significant. It includes the first private right of action in any enacted chatbot law, letting injured individuals sue operators for actual damages or 1,000 dollars per violation plus attorney fees and injunctions. Companies offering companion-style AI to Oregon users have until January 1, 2027 to comply.
Source: Oregon State Legislature: SB 1546
Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection.
