Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at Google San Francisco office about 'Creating an AI-Ready Workforce' that new joint effort with some of the world's leading tech companies to help better prepare California's students and workers for the next generation of technology, in San Francisco, California, United States on August 7, 2025.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills Monday targeting child online safety as concerns over the risks associated with artificial intelligence and social media use keep mounting.
"We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way," he said in a release. "Our children’s safety is not for sale.”
The latest legislation comes as the AI craze ushers in a wave of more complex chatbots capable of deep, intellectual conversation and encouraging behaviors. Across age groups, people are leaning on AI for emotional support, companionship and in some cases, romantic connections.
A recent survey from Fractl Agents found that one in six Americans rely on chatbots and worry that losing access would stunt them emotionally and professionally. More than a fifth of respondents reported having an emotional connection with their chatbot.
Many lawmakers have called for laws requiring Big Tech to better protect against chatbots promoting unsafe behaviors such as suicide and self-harm on their platforms.
The bills signed into law by Newsom on Monday are intended to address some of those concerns.
The changes
One of the laws passed by California implements a series of safeguards geared toward AI chatbots.
SB 243 is the first state law of its kind and requires chatbots to disclose that they are AI and tell minors every three hours to "take a break." Chatbots makers will also need to implement tools to protect against harmful behaviors and disclose certain instances to a crisis hotline.
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