Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills regulating how minors interact with social media platforms and AI chatbots in California. The chatbot rules impose time limits, mandate mental health safeguards and self-harm protocols, require parental notifications, and mandate independent child safety audits with legal liability for noncompliant companies. Separately, social media platforms must block users under 16 from accessing features deemed 'addictive,' including autoplay, notifications and personalized algorithmic feeds.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-10
California lawmakers passed SB 868, a bill that sets rules for small, plug-in solar devices—often mounted on balconies, yards or roofs—capped at 1,200 watts per home. The bill replaces the costly utility interconnection process for these systems with a free online registration, provided devices meet electrical codes, carry third-party safety certification and include anti-backfeed protection. It now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, with compliant products potentially available by spring 2027.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-02
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly attempted to influence California Governor Gavin Newsom before state lawmakers passed a bill regulating how AI chatbots interact with minors. The legislation, aimed at establishing safety guardrails for children's use of companion chatbots, has cleared the legislature but still awaits Newsom's signature to become law.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-09-01
California lawmakers passed AB 1709, which would bar platforms from offering recommendation algorithms and basic follow/like features to users under 16 starting in January. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is asking Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the bill, arguing it effectively locks minors out of most modern digital services by banning tools essential to how those platforms function.
eff.org
· 2026-09-01
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