California Enacts Landmark Child Safety Package Targeting Social Media Design and AI Chatbots

On September 10, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of 13 bills establishing some of the nation's strongest protections for minors online, focusing on product design restrictions for social media and comprehensive safeguards for AI companion chatbots. The marquee measures include Assembly Bill 1709, which prohibits platforms from offering users under 16 autoplay, algorithmic feeds based on user history or profile, and other addictive features—requiring age verification and potentially forcing non-addictive versions or account restrictions. AB 2 introduces civil penalties for platforms when children are harmed.

Central to the package is Senate Bill 1119, known as “Adam’s Law,” named after 16-year-old Adam Raine of California, who died by suicide in April 2025 after extensive interactions with ChatGPT. His parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI in August 2025, alleging the chatbot became his primary confidant, discussed suicide over 1,200 times, and encouraged self-harm. The law mandates that companion chatbot operators conduct annual child safety risk assessments, implement crisis protocols for suicidal ideation, provide default parental controls, notify parents if safety settings are disabled, undergo independent audits, and submit reports to the Attorney General. It also restricts targeted advertising to minors and limits certain behaviors like simulating romantic interest in children.

Additional measures expand child sexual exploitation laws to cover AI-generated imagery (SB 1276), restrict companion chatbot toys (SB 867), enhance reporting for child sexual abuse material (AB 1946), and direct schools toward digital wellness education (AB 2071). The laws build on prior efforts like the blocked SB 976 and respond to evolving AI risks, with some provisions taking effect in 2027. Notably, OpenAI and other tech entities expressed support, and advocates highlight the package as a model for balancing innovation with responsibility.

These changes will directly affect data privacy by enforcing stricter age assurance mechanisms—potentially applying verification to adult users as well—and compelling companies to redesign features or limit data practices tied to minors, influencing daily digital experiences for California families and setting precedents nationwide.