30th October 2026 – (New York) New York has enacted a child‑safety law targeting artificial intelligence chatbots, with Governor Kathy Hochul approving measures that restrict how such systems interact with users under 18. The legislation bars companies from deploying features for minors that simulate being human, cultivate emotional dependency, encourage self‑harm or involve sexually explicit exchanges, reflecting mounting concerns over the risks posed by conversational ai to young people.
The statute empowers the state attorney general to seek civil penalties of up to 25,000 US dollars for violations, underscoring a tougher enforcement stance. It also mandates the creation of a public website where New Yorkers can submit complaints about suspected non‑compliance by chatbot providers, aiming to strengthen oversight and provide a clear channel for redress.
New York’s move comes amid a broader tightening of child‑protection standards for digital services across the United States. In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation requiring chatbot developers to publish annual child‑safety risk assessments and submit products to independent audits, while also approving a measure that prohibits social‑media platforms from deploying addictive features for users under 16. Advocates say the combined state‑level actions are setting a template for stricter guardrails as ai becomes more deeply embedded in everyday online experiences.