New York approves law restricting minors' use of AI chatbots

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new law prohibiting minors from using AI-powered chatbots that pose as their friends, in what is considered the most significant step so far to restrict such consumer-facing models. The law requires operators of programs such as ChatGPT to verify users’ ages and restrict certain features if the user is under 18. It also stipulates that if a minor uses these programs, they are not allowed to generate any content that suggests the program is “a human being, an animal, or possesses human emotions.” The law further bans these programs from generating content that leads users to believe they “have a personal or professional relationship with the user” or “represent an authority figure.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony two days ago, Governor Hochul said, “Minors will no longer have access to chat programs that pretend to be their friends or romantic partners.” She added, “Nor will these programs be able to retain sensitive information regarding the emotional or physical health of minors.”

Other U.S. states, such as California, have also enacted laws restricting chatbot programs, but Hochul’s law includes some of the most comprehensive regulatory language on this technology, drawing criticism from AI companies. The organization Tech:NYC, which advocates for New York’s technology sector, described the law’s wording as “ambiguous.” In a statement, the organization said, “Protecting children online should not mean depriving them of tools that help them learn and prepare for their future career paths.”

Conversely, Common Sense Media, an organization that provides parents with guidance on the age-appropriateness of media content, welcomed the passage of the law, calling it “the strongest legislation in the country concerning children’s safety in the field of artificial intelligence.”