GoKawiilNew York enacts law requiring AI chatbots to verify users' age
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation mandating AI companies offer age verification methods, at least one not solely reliant on government ID, and delete collected age data after use. For users under 18 or unverified as adults, chatbots are barred from pretending to be human, claiming personal relationships, discussing self-harm or suicide, or sharing sexually explicit content. Violations can bring civil penalties up to $25,000 each plus damages, with the law taking effect in six months.
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The law positions New York as an early mover in regulating AI companion apps aimed at or accessible to minors, potentially pressuring other states to follow with similar age-verification mandates. Enforcement will hinge on a public complaint system routed through the attorney general, which could test how practically companies can verify age without heavy reliance on ID checks. The six-month runway gives AI firms limited time to redesign chatbot behavior and data practices before penalties apply.
- New York now requires AI chatbot companies to verify user age, with at least one non-ID-based method.
- Chatbots interacting with minors are banned from mimicking human relationships, retaining sensitive data, or encouraging self-harm.
- Violations can cost companies up to $25,000 per incident, plus damages and forced deletion of unlawfully trained models.
Source: engadget.com — Kris Holt, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “New York governor signs AI chatbot child safety law”
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