New York governor signs legislation restricting AI chatbot interactions with minors

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills on Wednesday prohibiting AI chatbots from engaging in potentially harmful interactions with minors under 18.

The legislation bans chatbots from simulating romantic relationships, encouraging emotional dependency, promoting self-harm, or presenting themselves as real people.

Violations can attract civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, with enforcement led by the New York Attorney General.