New York Passes Law Restricting Children’s Use of AI Chatbots

Published On 29 Oct, 2026
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9 News HD: New York has passed a new law to protect children from unsafe features in artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the law on October 28, 2026, introducing new rules for AI companies that provide chatbot services to users under the age of 18.

The law aims to stop AI chatbots from acting like real people or making children believe they have human feelings. It also restricts chatbots from pretending to have personal or romantic relationships with young users.

Under the new rules, chatbot operators must check users’ ages and prevent certain unsafe features from being used when interacting with minors. These restrictions also cover sexually explicit content, messages that encourage self-harm, and responses that tell children to keep their conversations secret or avoid seeking help from trusted adults.

The new law is part of a wider effort to make AI technology safer for children as its use continues to grow. Parents and child safety groups have raised concerns about the possible effects of AI companions on young users’ emotional well-being.

The law has received support from child safety advocates, who say stronger rules are needed to protect children online. However, some technology industry representatives have raised concerns about the wording of the restrictions and their possible impact on useful AI tools.

The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. It marks another major step in the growing debate over how AI companies should protect young users while allowing people to benefit from new technology.

The move could also influence how other US states approach AI chatbot safety in the coming years.