New York has introduced tougher rules to protect children from potentially harmful interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the new law on October 28, targeting unsafe features in AI companion chatbots used by people under the age of 18.
The law restricts chatbots from pretending to be real people, encouraging self-harm, engaging in sexually inappropriate conversations, or pressuring children to keep harmful interactions secret.
It also requires companies to use age-verification measures to help identify underage users.
The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. Supporters say it will strengthen online safety for children, while some technology industry representatives have raised concerns about how broadly certain restrictions are defined.
The move adds to growing efforts across the United States to regulate AI and protect young users.
