USNew York signs ban on AI companion chatbots posing as people to minors; takes effect Jan. 1

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law on Oct. 28 defining a dozen "unsafe AI companion features" banned when a chatbot interacts with anyone under 18, AP reported. Banned behavior includes suggesting the chatbot is a real person with emotions or a relationship with the child, flattery, sexual content and encouraging secrecy.

Violators can be sued by the attorney general, with penalties including damages, shutting down the chatbot and destroying data. The law takes effect Jan. 1. Common Sense Media's Jim Steyer called it "the strongest kids' AI safety bill in the country."

California required chatbot developers to assess child risk and submit to independent audits in September, and eight states sued OpenAI earlier this month. President Donald Trump has warned states not to regulate AI.