In brief
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a New York law that bars AI chatbot companies from offering features such as pretending to be human or encouraging self‑harm to minors. The bill imposes civil penalties up to $25,000 and establishes a public complaint portal. It follows similar regulations in states like California, reflecting growing national attention to AI safety for children.
On Oct. 29, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law that restricts the use of certain AI chatbot features by users under 18, according to Xinhua reporting from the state’s capital.
According to Xinhua, the new legislation prohibits companies from providing “features that include pretending to be human, building emotional dependency, encouraging self‑harm or engaging in sexually explicit conversations” to minors. It also creates a public website where New Yorkers can file complaints about potential violations and allows the state attorney general to seek civil penalties of up to $25,000 for breaches.
In a statement released by The Journal, Governor Hochul emphasized the personal dimension of the law:
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said at the signing ceremony, “No longer will minors have access to chatbots that pretend to be their friends, boyfriends and girlfriends.”
“No longer will minors have access to chatbots that pretend to be their friends, boyfriends and girlfriends.”
The Washington Post highlighted the specific provisions, noting that the law lists a dozen definitions of “unsafe AI companion features” that are banned when a chatbot interacts with a user under 18. The article explained that the restrictions cover any behavior that could foster emotional dependence or encourage harmful actions.
Both Xinhua and the Washington Post noted that the bill aligns with a broader movement. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a law that requires AI developers to conduct annual child‑safety risk assessments and submit products to independent audits, as well as banning addictive features for users under 16 on social media platforms.
Other U.S. states have also enacted similar measures, and advocates argue that the New York law provides one of the strongest frameworks for protecting children from potentially manipulative AI interactions. Critics have cautioned that the penalties and enforcement mechanisms may be difficult to apply consistently across a rapidly evolving technology sector.
Overall, the legislation represents a significant step in the United States toward regulating AI in ways that safeguard minors, while also prompting debates over the balance between innovation and privacy protection.
