Governor Gavin Newsom, joined by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and legislators signed landmark bipartisan legislation strengthening California’s nation-leading protections for children online and when using artificial intelligence (AI). The new laws strengthen safeguards for companion chatbots, prohibit social media platforms from offering addictive features to users under 16, and expand privacy protections for children.
Our children’s safety deserves to be at the center of every conversation about technology. As innovation moves faster our protections must keep pace. Today’s legislation makes clear that California will not stand by while unregulated technology puts our children at risk. Innovation comes with responsibility and protecting our children comes first.
Governor Gavin Newsom
We want our children – and every California kid – to grow up in a world where technology supports their wellbeing, rather than exploits their vulnerabilities. With this critical legislation, California is sending a strong message that when it comes to our kids, safety must not be an afterthought – but baked into design and a necessary requisite for all innovation.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
With the Governor’s signature on these bills, California is taking the lead, with the strongest bills regulating chatbots and social media nationwide. This continues California’s leadership in creating strong safeguards on emerging technology, which is being replicated by states throughout the U.S.
California has long stood as a bold leader in protecting children from the dangers of emerging technology.