New York Governor Kathy Hochul Bans AI Chatbots For Minors

Seventy-two percent of teens have used an artificial intelligence companion. New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law on Tuesday banning companies from offering chatbot features to anyone under eighteen. The rules target apps that pretend to be alive or claim human emotions. Bots can no longer use flattery or build romantic ties with kids. They cannot promote self-harm or urge children to keep secrets from parents. Companies must verify user ages and delete that data right after. The attorney general can seek civil penalties of up to twenty-five thousand dollars per violation. A second law requires internet-connected baby monitors sold in the state to include strong security features and clear warning labels. Eight out of nine tested monitors recently failed security checks.