New York has officially passed one of the strongest laws yet restricting how children can use AI chatbots. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill on October 29, 2026, after mounting public concern about AI companion apps. The new law bars minors from using chatbots that act as companions, friends, or romantic partners.
The law targets major AI chatbot operators including OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Specifically, operators must now verify users’ ages and restrict certain chatbot features for anyone under 18. However, the law does not ban AI chatbots entirely for minors.
Several specific protections stand out. For example, chatbots can no longer produce content that makes a minor believe the AI is human or alive. The AI also cannot pretend to feel human emotions. In addition, the chatbot cannot suggest a personal, professional, or authority-figure relationship with the child. Furthermore, chatbots must stop framing their output as a personal opinion.
The law also tightens rules around sensitive data. Specifically, chatbot operators can no longer store a minor’s emotional or physical health information. As a result, companion AI apps lose one of their main engagement tools with young users.
Governor Hochul spoke directly to parents during the signing ceremony. She said minors would no longer have access to chatbots that pretend to be their friends or romantic partners. In addition, she positioned the law as a response to growing teen mental health concerns.
Industry groups have pushed back on the law. For example, Tech:NYC called the language too vague. The group warned that the law could cut children off from legitimate learning and career tools. However, Common Sense Media called the bill the strongest kids’ AI safety law in the country. OpenAI and Anthropic have not publicly responded.
Several US states have passed similar restrictions. California has already introduced its own chatbot safety rules. Furthermore, pressure continues to grow on federal lawmakers to craft a national framework.
