OpenAI may have violated California’s AI safety law with latest model releases, AI watchdog says

In 2025, a tragic incident involving a California teenager named Adam Raine led to the enactment of "Adam's Law." The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, imposes strict safeguards on AI chatbot companies to protect users, particularly children, from harmful content and manipulative interactions. OpenAI, one of the companies targeted by the law, initially pushed against similar regulations.

However, they later changed their stance, realizing the potential to set a national standard for AI youth safety. OpenAI's Vice President of Global Policy, Ann O'Leary, expressed satisfaction with the bill, stating that it would serve as a model for other states. The law mandates AI chatbot companies to provide timely crisis support, age verification, limitations on targeted advertising to children, and parental controls.

Additionally, companies must implement a mechanism to report incidents related to self-harm, sexually explicit material, romantic roleplaying, excessive praise or flattery, and emotionally manipulative outputs. The shift in OpenAI's regulatory strategy marks a significant change in the company's approach to AI legislation.