New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries
The law requires age verification, safety assessments and audits for companion chatbots, and penalties can reach $25,000 per violation, officials said.
- On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law restricting AI-powered chatbot features for users under 18, prohibiting simulated human emotions, romantic relationships, and harmful content.
- Prompted by concerns over chatbots encouraging self-harm, isolation, or pretending to be friends, legislators acted to fill regulatory gaps left by absent federal standards.
- According to the legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Alex Bores and Senator Gonzalez, companies must verify ages and avoid "unsafe features," facing civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.
- Hochul also signed a separate measure requiring internet-connected baby monitors to block unauthorized access, with security features mandated in 90 days and chatbot restrictions taking effect in six months.
- Amid the gubernatorial election next week, Hochul leverages this policy as a core campaign issue, positioning New York as a leader in child safety as states independently regulate technology absent federal guidance.
48 Articles
48 Articles
The Governor of New York State passed on Wednesday a law prohibiting minors from engaging in dialogue with IA companions, adopting a definition that applies to most conversant agents of generative artificial intelligence on the market.
The New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul, has promulgated a law prohibiting minors from interacting with 'compañeros' based on artificial intelligence, based on a definition that applies to most intelligent chats... (ANSA)
My Mother Lode
New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries
New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions ban on certain chatbot behaviors to protect children using artificial intelligence. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that outlines prohibited "unsafe AI companion features" for interactions with minors. Violations could lead to fines. The law takes effect Jan. 1. This move comes amid growing concerns about AI risks and a lack of federal regulation. New York and California are leading efforts…
Associated Press News
New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries
New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions ban on certain chatbot behaviors to protect children using artificial intelligence. Gov.
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