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Governor Kathy Hochul signs sweeping AI safety legislation requiring age verification and restricting chatbot interactions with users under 18.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a landmark law restricting minors’ access to AI companion chatbots, marking one of the toughest regulatory measures against artificial intelligence platforms in the United States.
The legislation, signed Wednesday, requires AI chatbot providers, including platforms such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, to verify users’ ages and impose additional safeguards for individuals under 18.
AI Chatbots Face Strict Restrictions
Under the new rules, chatbots interacting with minors cannot generate responses suggesting they are human, alive, or capable of experiencing genuine emotions.
AI systems will also be prohibited from creating the impression of personal or professional relationships, presenting themselves as authority figures, or expressing generated content as personal opinions.
Hochul said the legislation would prevent children from interacting with AI chatbots that imitate friends or romantic partners.
She also highlighted restrictions on retaining sensitive information about minors’ physical and emotional health.
Tech Industry Raises Concerns
The legislation has sparked criticism from technology advocates.
Tech warned that vague provisions could restrict access to AI tools that support education and career development.
Meanwhile, OpenAI and Anthropic did not respond to AFP’s requests for comment.
Child Safety Advocates Welcome Law
Common Sense Media praised the legislation as the strongest AI safety measure for children in the United States.
Its CEO, Jim Steyer, argued that certain chatbot features expose young users to serious risks and welcomed stronger protections.
The law reflects growing pressure on technology companies to balance AI innovation with children’s safety and privacy.
