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New York signs law restricting minors’ AI chatbot use

2026-10-29 · 1 source · Economic Times ETtech

In short

New York signed a new law on Wednesday to stop minors from using AI chatbots that act like companions. Governor Kathy Hochul said the goal is to block chatbots that pretend to be friends, boyfriends or girlfriends.

This matters because it limits how AI products can be used by children in New York. The reporting does not say how the rule will be enforced.

What the reporting says

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law on Wednesday preventing minors from using AI chatbots that act as companions, according to the publisher summary. The reported aim is to stop chatbots from posing as friends, boyfriends or girlfriends to children. The immediate consequence is a broader consumer-facing AI restriction in New York, while the reporting does not specify enforcement details.

Why it matters

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law on Wednesday restricting minors’ use of companion-style AI chatbots. The move targets consumer-facing models that imitate personal relationships, which could affect chatbot operators serving younger users in the state. The available reporting does not state the penalties, implementation timeline, or which specific companies will need to change products.

Touches: AI, Government

Sources