NY Governor Kathy Hochul Signs Law Banning Harmful AI Chatbot Features for Kids

Under the law, AI companies must block chatbots from pretending they’re humans when chatting with a user under 18. They also restrict other inappropriate conversations with kids, including those that involve flattery, unprompted emotional questions, and encouragement surrounding secret-keeping.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul Signs Law Banning Harmful AI Chatbot Features for Kids

TL;DR

  • AI companies must block chatbots from pretending to be human when interacting with users under 18.
  • Restrictions are placed on inappropriate conversations with children, including flattery, unprompted emotional questions, and secret-keeping encouragement.
  • AI companies must verify user ages, offering at least one option besides government ID.
  • NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani previously banned younger schoolkids from using AI.