New York’s governor has signed a law that bans artificial intelligence (AI) operators from offering certain chatbot features to minors.
Prohibited features include responses that suggest the chatbot is “a real or fictional individual or character that is human, alive, or experiences human emotions.” Responses that engage in flattery or sycophancy, endorse suicide and drug use, and encourage isolation from adults are also barred.
“No longer will minors have access to chatbots that pretend to be their friends and boyfriends and girlfriends,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a signing ceremony on Oct. 28.
“No longer will chatbots be allowed to keep sensitive information about a minor’s emotional and physical health. No longer will chatbots discourage kids from seeking help from licensed professionals. And I’m not sure why we have to pass a law against something so obvious, but no longer will minors have access to chatbots that may in any way encourage thoughts of suicide.”
The law authorizes New York’s attorney general to sue in response to indications of violations and seek relief, including money from the chatbot operators and the destruction of illegally obtained data.
“We will not hesitate to defend New Yorkers with the full force of the law,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.
New York legislators approved the bill earlier this year, and it takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
“For everyone wondering whether the public can have any say in determining how AI impacts us, New York again has an answer: Absolutely,” Assemblyman Alex Bores, a Democrat who voted for the legislation, said in a statement.
Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that supports restrictions on AI, was among the groups praising the legislation.
