Hochul Signs Law Barring Unsafe AI Chatbot Features for Minors

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Wednesday, Oct. 28, that bars AI chatbot companies from offering a dozen “unsafe” features to minors, The Associated Press reported. The governor’s office said the law, S.9051B/A.10379C, takes effect in the coming months; the AP said it takes effect Jan. 1.

Prohibited features for users under 18, or for anyone the company has not confirmed is an adult, include pretending to be a real person or to have human emotions, claiming a personal or romantic relationship with a child, encouraging secrecy or isolation from parents, promoting self-harm or drug use, and sexually explicit content. Companies must offer more than one age-verification option, at least one not relying solely on a government ID, and delete the age data after use.

The attorney general can seek civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, plus damages and destruction of unlawfully collected data, according to the governor’s office. Common Sense Media’s Jim Steyer called it the strongest kids’ AI safety bill in the country. Justine Gluck of the Future of Privacy Forum told the AP that some categories are broadly worded, raising questions about where ordinary conversational responsiveness ends. The AP noted that President Donald Trump has warned states not to regulate AI.