California Enacts First AI Chatbot Safety Law Under Newsom’s Leadership
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed groundbreaking legislation establishing safety protocols for AI chatbots, marking the state's latest MOVE to regulate emerging technologies. The bill mandates age verification systems, suicide prevention measures, and warnings about social media interactions with chatbots.
Stringent penalties now apply to developers profiting from illegal deepfakes, reflecting growing concerns about AI's potential to exploit minors. "Technology should inspire without endangering," Newsom stated, emphasizing California's dual commitment to innovation and child protection.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom framed the legislation as necessary guardrails for the digital age: "True leadership means setting limits when it matters most." The law positions California as a regulatory pioneer in the AI sector, potentially creating compliance benchmarks for tech companies worldwide.
