What is your opinion on artificial intelligence companions (their harm and regulation)?

Currently reading about the move of California:

The state has become the first U.S. state to regulate AI companion chatbots. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 243, a new law requiring companies like OpenAI, Meta, Character AI, and Replika to implement safety protocols protecting children and vulnerable users.

Do you think this is the right move?

+ Should AI companion chatbots be regulated differently for adults and minors?

The idea behind it seems generous, but I’m not sure how effective it will actually be. Kids can easily pretend to be adults online, so I wonder how much this regulation can really prevent harm.

Also, I feel this shouldn’t apply only to minors. Even as an adult, I often use AI to get advice on different topics, and I can see how easily it could become manipulative or emotionally persuasive. Even I can be manipulated by AI.