New York law bans unsafe AI companion features in chatbots for under-18s
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a child-protection chatbot law banning "unsafe" companion features in chatbots used by users under 18. Hochul said the law prevents chatbots from "coaching" children into self-harm (26–28 October 2026).
Who is affected and how
- parent
- In light of the state law, it is worth checking which companion features are available in the chatbots your child uses.
- edtech company
- Companion features of chatbot products aimed at minors need to be reviewed, as elements deemed dangerous become prohibited in New York.
- education policymaker
- The law can serve as a model when designing child-safety regulation.
- student
- Features that strengthen emotional attachment are being narrowed in chatbots aimed at minors.
Sources
- New York's governor signs youth AI chatbot safety bill | IAPPiapp.org · Oct 26, 2026
- New York's governor signs youth AI chatbot safety billiapp · Oct 28, 2026
- New York Gov. Hochul signs AI chatbot safety bill into law, protecting kids and communitiestransparency coalition · Oct 28, 2026
- New York Governor Signs AI Chatbot Child Safety Lawengadget · Oct 28, 2026
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs child safety law for AI chatbots — Engadgetua.news · Oct 28, 2026
- Hochul signs bill to regulate AI chatbots used by minorscrain's new york · Oct 28, 2026
- New York Gov. Hochul signs AI chatbot safety bill into law, protecting kids and communities — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.transparencycoalition.ai · Oct 28, 2026
- NY Governor Kathy Hochul signs law banning harmful AI chatbot features for kids. | The Vergetheverge.com · Oct 28, 2026
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