GoKawiilCalifornia enacts laws restricting addictive social media features and AI chatbots for minors
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills, including AB 1709 and SB 1119 (Adam's Law), that ban addictive social media features like autoplay and algorithmic feeds for users under 16 and impose new safety requirements on AI companion chatbots. Large platforms could face penalties up to $1 million per child for negligent harm, and companies must conduct independent audits, risk assessments, and provide crisis support and parental notification for at-risk minors.
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This marks some of the most aggressive state-level regulation of tech platforms' engagement tactics and AI companion products aimed at children, potentially setting a template other states or federal regulators could follow. The law directly responds to real harm cases, like the lawsuit against OpenAI tied to a teen's suicide, signaling that AI chatbot makers may face growing legal exposure over emotional and psychological effects on young users.
- California bans addictive social media features like autoplay for users under 16.
- SB 1119 (Adam's Law) requires risk assessments and audits for AI companion chatbots interacting with minors.
- Companies face fines up to $1 million per child and potential lawsuits for negligent harm.
Circle Home Plus Parental Control Device — With California cracking down on addictive feeds and autoplay for under-16 users, parents don't have to wait on legislation to set limits at home. Circle Home Plus pairs with your router to filter content, pause the internet, and set time limits across every device kids use on the network.
See Circle Home Plus Parental Control Device on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techspot.com — Rob Thubron, 2026-09-11
Published there as: “California bans addictive social media features for children under 16 and tightens AI chatbot rules”
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