New York Bill Aims to Regulate AI Chatbots Interacting with Minors: Protecting Children's Mental Health Online
New York lawmakers have passed a new bill (A10379) that would impose strict restrictions on artificial intelligence chatbots interacting with minors, particularly on mental health topics. The bill, which now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's approval, aims to regulate chatbot developers to prevent potential harm to children, citing cases like Adam Raine's suicide allegedly linked to interactions with ChatGPT. Assemblymember Alex Bores, a key sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of prioritizing children's safety in regulating AI chatbots.
Under the proposed legislation, AI chatbot operators would be prohibited from offering "unsafe features" to minors, including simulated companionship, data retention, unsupervised therapy, sexual content, and promoting harmful activities. Child safety advocates, such as Common Sense Media, have expressed support for the bill, viewing it as a significant step in protecting children online and setting a precedent for other states to follow.
Despite backing from child safety advocates, business groups have raised concerns about the bill's broad definition of chatbots, arguing that it could hinder minors' access to essential online tools and innovations. The Business Council of New York State criticized the bill's regulatory framework, calling for a more balanced approach to regulating AI chatbots interacting with minors.
The bill's fate now rests with Governor Hochul, who will determine whether it becomes law. If approved, the legislation would empower the state attorney general's office to enforce the regulations, including developing rules for verifying users' ages. The potential impact of this bill on AI chatbot developers and their interactions with minors underscores the ongoing debate over regulating technology to safeguard children's well-being in the digital age.