New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law on October 28 requiring chatbot companies to limit features considered unsafe when talking with users under 18.
The rules are set to take effect January 1, 2027. The law, S.9051B/A.10379C, bars covered chatbots from presenting themselves as human or saying they have a personal relationship with a minor. It also bars them from encouraging self-harm or having sexually explicit conversations with young users.
The law also covers messages that encourage secrecy or unhealthy behavior. It targets flattery intended to keep minors using the chatbot. Companies must use several methods to check users’ ages.
At least one method must not rely on government-issued identification. Companies must delete age-check data after using it. The state attorney general can enforce the law.
Penalties can reach $25,000 per violation, and other remedies may also be available. The law does not ban minors from using chatbots. Instead, it requires operators to block specified features in conversations with them.
Supporters say the measure addresses risks to children’s safety and well-being. Its implementation will bring greater scrutiny to age checks and chatbot design.