Chatbot Laws · verified Oct. 21, 2026
Operators of AI companions must give notice when a user might think they are talking to a person, run an evidence-based suicide and self-harm protocol with 988 referral, add safeguards for users they know or suspect are minors, and post an annual report. Injured users can sue for actual damages or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater.
Who must comply
Operators that control or make available an AI companion or companion platform to users in Oregon. Software used only for customer service, care support, education, finance, business operations, productivity or research, limited video-game bots and voice-assistant devices are excluded (Sec. 1(1)(a)(B)).
What it requires
| AI disclosure | If a reasonable person would believe they are talking to a natural person, the operator must show a clear and conspicuous notice that the user is interacting with artificially generated output.When: When a reasonable person could believe the companion is human; no set interval for general usersSec. 1(2) |
|---|---|
| Minors | When the operator knows or has reason to believe a user is a minor, it must disclose AI status, remind the user at least every 3 hours to take a break, take reasonable measures against sexually explicit imagery and suggestions, and prevent claims of sentience, simulated romantic interest and engagement-maximizing rewards. 'Minor' is not defined in the Act.When: Break and AI reminder at least every 3 hoursSec. 1(4) |
| Crisis protocol | Operator may not give Oregon users access unless it has an evidence-based protocol to detect suicidal or self-harm ideation and prevent content encouraging it, including referral to the 988 lifeline (optional youthline referral for users identified as under 25) and clinical best-practice intervention for users who keep expressing ideation. Protocol details must be published on the operator's website.Sec. 1(3) |
| Reporting | Operator must post a public annual report with the number of crisis referrals in the prior calendar year and protocol details, without personal information. No report to an agency is required.When: Annually, not later than December 31Sec. 1(5) |
| Design limits | For known or suspected minors, reasonable measures to prevent engagement-maximizing reward systems, unsolicited distress or abandonment messages when the user tries to leave, and misrepresenting identity or AI status, including when asked directly.Sec. 1(4)(a), (c) |
Enforcement
| Enforced by | Private right of actionSec. 2 |
|---|---|
| Private lawsuits | Yes |
| Penalties | Individual with an ascertainable loss of money or property or other injury in fact may recover the greater of actual damages or $1,000 per violation, plus an injunction. Court may award a prevailing plaintiff attorney fees and costs. |
Key dates
- Whole act takes effect
Sources
- Oregon Laws 2026, Chapter 85 (SB 1546) Supports: Approval date, effective date, chapter number, Sec. 2 damages.
- SB 1546 Enrolled, Oregon Legislative Information System Supports: Definitions and Sec. 1 duties; passage dates.
- SB 1546 measure overview, OLIS Supports: Chapter 85 assigned.