New York bans unsafe AI companion features for under-18s
Chatbots in New York may not pretend to be human, claim a relationship with a child or encourage self-harm. Companies must check a user's age before offering such features.
New York's governor, Kathy Hochul, signed a law on 28 October 2026 that bans a list of AI chatbot features for users under 18.
The governor's office said companies may not offer these features to anyone under 18. They also may not offer them to any user whose age they have not confirmed.
Our kids deserve the chance to learn, grow and build real human connections without technology getting in the way.
Banned features include pretending to be a real person or to have human emotions. Chatbots may not claim a personal, romantic or authority relationship with a child. They may not promote self-harm, tell children to keep secrets or produce sexually explicit content.
Companies must offer more than one way to check a user's age. At least one must not depend only on a government ID. Age data must be deleted after use. The state attorney general can seek penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation, the office said.
AP reported that the law lists 12 definitions of unsafe companion features. Justine Gluck of the Future of Privacy Forum, a nonprofit, told AP that some categories are broadly worded or undefined. Law Commentary reported that a state business group had warned an earlier version could affect educational tools.
For parents and teachers, the law does not ban children in New York from using chatbots. It bans specific features. Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers union, welcomed it in the governor's announcement.
The law applies only in New York State and changes no rule in the UK.
The start date is not settled. AP said the law takes effect on 1 January. Law Commentary reported that the office of Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who sponsored the bill, said an amendment moves the date to 1 June 2027. It is not known whether AI companies will challenge the law in court.
Sources
- Governor of New York Governor Hochul Signs Nation-Leading Legislation to Protect Kids From AI Chatbots and to Ensure Baby Monitor Safety
- AP, via ClickOnDetroit New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries
- Law Commentary New York Bans AI Chatbots From Acting Like Friends to Kids