New York passes new laws to restrict child interactions with AI chatbots

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two laws on October 28 to protect children from the risks of artificial intelligence chatbots and internet-connected baby monitors. The legislation bans AI chatbots from simulating romantic relationships, encouraging emotional dependency, and promoting self-harm among minors under the age of 18 or users whose adult status is not verified. Chatbots are also barred from pretending to be real people, claiming human emotions, and using excessive flattery or manipulative tactics.

Enforcement And Penalties

Companies must introduce age-verification methods that do not rely solely on government-issued IDs, and delete the collected data afterward. The New York Attorney General can enforce the law and seek civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, along with court orders and the destruction of unlawfully trained AI models. Residents can report suspected violations through a public mechanism established by the Attorney General's office. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly member Alex Bores sponsored the legislation, which passed the State Senate on June 4 and the Assembly on June 5.

Baby Monitors And Background

The second law requires internet-connected baby monitors to include security safeguards against unauthorized audio and video access, following reports that video feeds from over one million devices were accessible on a website. Devices must also carry warning labels about internet connectivity and security settings, and the law takes effect in late January 2027. Research from Common Sense Media cited by the administration showed that 72% of surveyed teenagers had used AI companions at least once. New York previously passed measures including the SAFE for Kids Act and the Child Data Protection Act, alongside rules requiring AI platforms to flag self-harm and direct users to crisis resources.

Context

Legislators and state leaders are increasingly targeting technology companies to address growing public worries over online safety and youth mental health. These rules reflect a wider trend of states taking legislative action to fill gaps in federal oversight regarding digital products used by minors. New York's new statutes build on a series of prior enactments aimed at regulating data collection, algorithmic feeds, and AI companion tools.