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

New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a new law that bans minors from using AI chatbots that mimic companionship. The legislation requires AI operators, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, to confirm the ages of users and impose limitations on the chatbot's responses when interacting with individuals under 18. Under the new law, chatbots cannot generate content that leads minors to believe the AI is human, alive, or capable of experiencing emotions.

Additionally, the AI interface is prohibited from suggesting any form of personal, professional, or authoritative relationship with the user, nor can it present its responses as the user's personal opinions. Governor Hochul emphasized that the law prevents minors from engaging with chatbots that pretend to be friends, romantic partners, or authority figures.

In a signing ceremony, she stated that such interactions are no longer permissible for children and teens. Other US states, such as California, have also enacted similar restrictions on chatbots, but New York's law is considered one of the most comprehensive in regulating the technology. However, the law has faced criticism from the tech industry advocacy group Tech:NYC, which argues that the language is too vague and could hinder learning opportunities for children.

The group expressed concern that the new law may restrict access to tools that aid in education and career preparation. Despite the backlash, Common Sense Media, a nonprofit advocacy organization, praised the bill as the most robust AI safety legislation in the country. The organization's CEO, Jim Steyer, highlighted the harmful potential of certain AI features for children and teens, stating that those dangerous elements will now be prohibited in New York.