New York bans 'unsafe AI companion features' for chatbots used by children under 18

Associated Press · Marc Levy · 2026-10-28 22:00 UTC

New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions ban on certain chatbot behaviors to protect children using artificial intelligence. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that outlines prohibited "unsafe AI companion features" for interactions with minors. Violations could lead to fines. The law takes effect Jan. 1. This move comes amid growing concerns about AI risks and a lack of federal regulation. New York and California are leading efforts to regulate AI, with California recently passing similar laws. Experts say these state laws could serve as models for others. However, some aspects of New York's law remain broadly defined.

New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions on companion chatbot behavior, as states increasingly move to protect children who use artificial intelligence, regulate how employers deploy AI systems and push developers to prevent an AI-caused catastrophe.

Legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul outlines a dozen definitions of “unsafe AI companion features” that will be prohibited when a companion chatbot interacts with a child under 18.

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