2 publishers · first seen Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:33 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 07:49 UTC
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a law requiring AI chatbot operators to verify users' ages and restrict certain functionalities for minors under 18. Chatbots must not pretend to be human, alive, or have human emotions, claim personal or romantic relationships, use a minor's private health information, or encourage self-harm, suicide, or secrecy. The law also mandates deletion of age verification data and establishes a complaints process with civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. It takes effect in six months.
A separate law signed by Hochul requires internet-connected baby monitors sold in New York to have security features preventing unauthorized access and warning labels about risks. This law takes effect in 90 days. Common Sense Media CEO Jim Steyer called the AI chatbot law the strongest kids' AI safety bill in the country and a model for the rest of the US.
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