Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed legislation on Monday to regulate chatbots powered by artificial intelligence to protect minors from the risks associated with such technology.
The bill implements safeguards and protocols regarding children’s use of AI chatbots, including a given platform’s disclosure that users are interacting with a machine and a reminder for users to take a break every three hours. The technology is also prohibited from sharing sexually explicit images with underage boys and girls.
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In instances where a minor is experiencing suicidal thoughts, chatbots will be required to prevent self-harm content and provide statistics to the California Department of Public Health regarding how often they referred users to crisis center providers. As part of the new law, the platforms cannot describe themselves as healthcare professionals.
In signing the bill, Newsom warned of the dangers of AI chatbots.
“Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect — but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead, and endanger our kids,” the Democratic governor said in a statement.
“We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability,” he added. “We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way. Our children’s safety is not for sale.”
The bill, led by Democratic state Sen. Steve Padilla, passed California’s legislature with bipartisan support last month. Following Newsom’s signature, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
The governor approved similar bills that institute age verifications for electronic device users and require social media platforms to have warning labels for users under 18.
The latter bill follows a recommendation from former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who advocated the implementation of social media warning labels last year. Following Minnesota, California became the second state to enact legislation requiring such labels.
Newsom also enacted a bill that imposes harsher penalties on the distribution of deepfake pornography, specifically allowing minors and other victims to seek civil damages worth up to $250,000 per incident against anyone who knowingly spreads nonconsensual material.
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California has led the charge in holding tech companies accountable for the risks of AI chatbots. In September, state Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed concerns to OpenAI about children’s use of ChatGPT and its other products.
Newsom, who shares four underage children with his wife, signed legislation late last month mandating frontier AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic to disclose safety information about their services.