Gavin Newsom signs law to regulate AI, protect kids and teens from chatbots | Fortune

Gavin Newsom signs law to regulate AI, protect kids and teens from chatbots | Fortune - Professional coverage

California Enacts Landmark AI Legislation to Protect Children in Digital Interactions

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law groundbreaking legislation that establishes comprehensive safeguards for minors interacting with artificial intelligence systems. The new regulations mandate that platforms clearly notify users when they are communicating with chatbots rather than humans, with research indicates that these protections represent a significant step forward in child safety standards.

The legislation specifically requires that minor users receive reminder notifications every three hours during extended conversations with AI systems. This measure addresses growing concerns about children’s ability to distinguish between human and artificial interactions, particularly as industry experts continue to debate the psychological impact of prolonged AI exposure on developing minds.

Beyond disclosure requirements, the law imposes critical safety protocols that companies must implement. Platforms are now legally obligated to maintain systems that prevent self-harm content and automatically refer users to crisis service providers when suicidal ideation is detected. emerging technology regulations increasingly focus on these protective measures as digital interactions become more sophisticated.

Governor Newsom, who has four children under 18, emphasized California’s responsibility to lead in establishing protective frameworks for emerging technologies. “We cannot afford to wait until damage is done,” the governor stated, noting that industry reports suggest children and teens are particularly vulnerable to forming emotional attachments with AI systems without proper safeguards.

The legislation comes amid growing global concern about children’s digital welfare, with data shows that young users often struggle to differentiate between human and artificial intelligence. The new California standards are expected to influence similar regulatory efforts nationwide, as lawmakers grapple with balancing innovation protection with child safety considerations.

Implementation of the new requirements will begin within the next year, giving technology companies time to develop compliant systems. The law represents one of the most comprehensive attempts to regulate AI interactions specifically for minor users, setting a precedent that sources confirm other states are already considering adopting.

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