New York signs law restricting AI chatbots from pretending to be human with minors

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Wednesday, October 28, restricting artificial intelligence companion chatbots from engaging in potentially harmful interactions with users under the age of 18. The law will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The measure targets chatbots that simulate personal relationships, including systems that tell teenagers they have human emotions, are alive or have a romantic relationship with them.

According to the governor’s office, the restrictions are intended to protect minors from features that could encourage emotional dependency, social isolation or the disclosure of sensitive personal information.

What the law prohibits

The legislation restricts AI companions from presenting themselves as real people, claiming to have human feelings or asserting personal, romantic, professional or authority-based relationships with minors.

It also addresses unsolicited emotional questioning and certain uses of private health information or previous conversations that could encourage unhealthy dependence.

Other provisions prohibit systems from promoting or facilitating self-harm, eating disorders or problematic substance use, as well as generating sexually explicit content. Chatbots also cannot encourage minors to keep secrets, isolate themselves or avoid seeking help from parents, trusted adults or professionals.

The legislation, identified as S.9051B/A.10379C and sponsored by state Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymember Alex Bores, does not ban teenagers from using artificial intelligence in general. Instead, it places restrictions on specific chatbot features and interactions.

Age verification and penalties

Companies will be required to provide multiple ways to verify users’ ages, including at least one option that does not rely solely on government-issued identification. Information collected for age verification must be deleted after it has served its purpose.

Under the law, restricted features cannot be made available to users whose adult status has not been verified.

The New York Attorney General will be able to seek court orders to enforce compliance and pursue civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, along with other legal remedies.

The requirements will take effect on January 1, 2027. Until then, the signing of the legislation does not guarantee that chatbot applications have already changed the features available to teenagers.