Governor Kathy Hochul approved strict legislation on October 29, 2026, limiting how young people in New York interact with artificial intelligence. Responding to rising public anxiety regarding AI companion applications, the state enacted measures that prohibit minors from using chatbots functioning as romantic partners, friends, or companions.
Major artificial intelligence providers, such as OpenAI and its ChatGPT platform, fall under the scope of this legislation. Companies must implement age verification procedures and block specific functionalities for individuals under the age of 18, though the statute does not completely outlaw artificial intelligence tools for youths.
Several clear safeguards are included in the legislation. Systems are prohibited from generating material that deceives a child into thinking the technology is alive or human. Artificial intelligence cannot simulate human feelings, nor can it propose authority-figure, professional, or personal bonds with minors. Systems must also avoid presenting their generated text as personal views.
Data privacy requirements are also stricter under the measure. Operators are banned from retaining the physical or emotional health records of minors, removing a primary engagement method for companion applications targeting young demographics.
During the signing event, Governor Hochul addressed parents directly. Minors are barred from interacting with systems masquerading as romantic partners or friends, she stated, framing the legislation as a reaction to mounting worries about youth mental health.
Trade associations expressed opposition to the measure. Tech:NYC argued the wording lacks clarity, cautioning that the statute might block youths from accessing valid educational and professional resources. Conversely, Common Sense Media described the legislation as the nation's most robust child safety regulation for artificial intelligence. Anthropic and OpenAI have not issued public statements.
Other American states have enacted comparable measures. California previously established its own safety guidelines for chatbots, while federal legislators face mounting pressure to create a nationwide standard.
