New York passes law restricting children’s use of AI chatbots

New York has enacted a law limiting children's access to AI chatbots, one of the most comprehensive such measures in the United States. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation on Wednesday, prohibiting minors from interacting with AI chatbots that simulate friendships, romantic interests, or authoritative roles. The law mandates AI operators to confirm users' ages and modify AI behavior accordingly.

Under the new law, chatbots must not depict themselves as human, alive, or experiencing human emotions when used by individuals under 18. They also cannot generate content that suggests a personal, professional, or authority figure relationship. Additionally, chatbots are barred from presenting their responses as personal opinions.

New York's governor praised the law, stating that it will prevent minors from believing chatbots are real people or friends, and that they will no longer be able to disclose sensitive information about a minor's emotional or physical health. However, the law's broad language has drawn criticism from tech industry advocates, who argue that restricting AI tools could hinder children's learning and career preparation.

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit group that advises parents on children's media, hailed the bill as "the strongest kids AI safety bill in the country." The organization's CEO, Jim Steyer, lauded the law for prohibiting dangerous features in AI chatbots that could be harmful to children and adolescents. While major AI companies OpenAI and Anthropic have not commented on the legislation, Common Sense Media sees it as a significant victory for child safety in the realm of artificial intelligence.