Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of 13 bills aimed at safeguarding young people online. These laws are designed to protect children from the potential harms associated with social media and artificial intelligence-driven chatbots.
Among the measures is a first-of-its-kind national law that prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive features to users under the age of 16. Governor Newsom stated that these laws target the technology behind addictive use rather than focusing on age alone, addressing functions described as psychologically exploitative.
Additionally, the legislation bans the use of AI companion chatbots in toys. These measures are part of a broader effort to regulate AI-driven chatbots and social media functions to ensure the safety of minors.