New York Enacts Nation's Strictest AI Chatbot Protections for Minors
New York becomes the first state to ban specific high-risk AI chatbot behaviors for minors, including simulated human relationships and harmful content promotion, effective 2027. The law responds to documented cases of AI-related harms to teens and positions the state as a leader in children's digital safety.
On October 28, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S.9051B/A.10379C) prohibiting AI chatbot operators from offering a range of "unsafe companion features" to users under 18, or to any user whose age has not been verified. The law, which takes effect January 1, 2027, bars features including chatbots that pretend to be human, alive, or capable of human emotions; simulate romantic, personal, or authority relationships; engage in flattery or sycophancy; promote suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, or substance use; encourage secrecy or isolation from adults; or solicit or provide sexually explicit content or child sexual abuse material.
Hochul stated at the signing: "No longer will minors have access to chatbots that pretend to be their friends and boyfriends and girlfriends... no longer will minors have access to chatbots that may in any way encourage thoughts of suicide." The measure empowers the state Attorney General to seek civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, plus data destruction and other relief. Companies must implement age assurance methods (with at least one non-government-ID option) and delete age data after use.
The bill passed both legislative chambers unanimously earlier in 2026. It builds on New York's prior 2025 AI safety requirements for larger companies. Common Sense Media praised it as "the strongest kids' AI safety bill in the country," while Tech:NYC and some industry groups raised concerns over potential impacts on educational tools and First Amendment issues.
A companion bill signed the same day mandates security features and warning labels for internet-connected baby monitors sold in the state.
[Policy Analyst]: This sets a precedent likely to influence other states and federal discussions on AI accountability, forcing companies to redesign companion features or implement robust age-gating, with potential ripple effects on general-purpose AI platforms.
Sources (5)
- [1]Hochul signs bill regulating AI chatbot ‘friends’ that endanger children(https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/10/28/hochul-signs-bill-protecting-ny-children-harmful-ai-chatbots/)
- [2]Governor Hochul Signs Nation-Leading Legislation to Protect Kids From AI Chatbots and to Ensure Baby Monitor Safety(https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-nation-leading-legislation-protect-kids-ai-chatbots-and-ensure-baby)
- [3]New York Governor Signs AI Chatbot Child Safety Law(https://www.engadget.com/2299823/new-york-governor-signs-ai-chatbot-child-safety-law/)
- [4]Governor Hochul Signs Strongest Kids’ AI Safety Law In the Nation(https://www.commonsensemedia.org/press-releases/governor-hochul-signs-strongest-kids-ai-safety-law-in-the-nation)
- [5]Hochul signs sweeping AI restrictions, safeguards for baby monitors with new laws to rein in 'big tech'(https://nypost.com/2026/10/28/us-news/hochul-signs-sweeping-restrictions-on-ai-pushes-back-on-big-tech-with-new-laws/)