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California Leads the Way in AI Governance with new Laws
California is at the forefront of regulating artificial intelligence (AI) with two new laws, AB 489 and SB 243, designed to address the unique risks posed by increasingly sophisticated AI systems. Both laws acknowledge that AI, despite its potential benefits, will inevitably encounter limitations and require careful oversight.These regulations aim to protect consumers from misleading details and potential harm,especially in sensitive areas like healthcare and emotional well-being.
AB 489: Protecting Patients from Misleading Medical AI
AB 489,effective January 1,2026,specifically targets AI systems that create the impression of medical expertise without possessing actual medical credentials. Many health and wellness chatbots utilize language and design elements that mimic clinical settings, possibly leading users to believe they are receiving advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The American Medical Association has expressed concerns about the potential for these chatbots to provide inaccurate or harmful medical information.
The law prohibits AI systems from using titles, terminology, or representations that suggest licensed medical expertise unless that expertise is genuinely present. For exmaple







