--- title: "New York restricts AI chatbot interactions with minors" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/new-york-restricts-ai-chatbot-interactions-with-minors" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/new-york-restricts-ai-chatbot-interactions-with-minors" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/new-york-restricts-ai-chatbot-interactions-with-minors.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/new-york-restricts-ai-chatbot-interactions-with-minors" category: "Politics" area: "United States" published: "2026-10-29T00:45:45.483Z" source_reported: "2026-10-29T00:00:12.000Z" updated: "2026-10-29T01:15:27.272Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 60 hype_score: 41 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-29T00:45:12.332198+00:00" --- # New York restricts AI chatbot interactions with minors *Governor Hochul signs law banning 'unsafe' features for children under 18.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to Governor Kathy Hochul and the Associated Press, with multiple outlets citing the legislation. - Craft 60 of 100, higher is better. The reporting is clear and holds together, with specific details provided about the law's provisions and effective date. - Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. The headline uses terms like 'sweeping restrictions' and 'nation-leading legislation' which suggest a notable level of sensationalism. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - New York has enacted a law restricting AI chatbot interactions with minors under 18. - The legislation, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, defines and prohibits a dozen 'unsafe AI companion features'. - Violations of the law could result in lawsuits, monetary damages, and the shutdown of chatbots. - The law takes effect on January 1, with California having similar legislation. New York has enacted legislation to restrict the behaviour of companion chatbots when interacting with children under 18. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law, which defines a dozen "unsafe AI companion features" that will be prohibited. The law takes effect on January 1. Violations of the new law could lead to lawsuits filed by the state attorney general's office. Penalties may include monetary damages and the shutdown of the chatbot. California has similar legislation targeting chatbot developers and social media platforms. Eight states have also sued AI giant OpenAI, alleging violations of consumer protection laws. ## Disagreement on specific prohibited features The Associated Press, as reported by My Mother Lode, The Seattle Times, The Toronto Star, Welland Tribune.ca, Associated Press News, Bangor Daily News, and The Independent (US), states that prohibited behaviours include suggestions that the chatbot is a real person with emotions or opinions, or that it has an actual relationship with the child. It also outlaws chatbot messages that use flattery, involve sexually explicit material, or encourage secrecy or unhealthy behaviour. DiarioBitcoin reports that New York banned chatbots from presenting as people or establishing romantic links with minors. Udgtv reports that the law bans certain functions, such as promoting suicide or drug use. National Cyber Security reports that the document requires AI companies to verify users’ ages and offer at least one verification method that is not based on a phone number. ## What the coverage left out None of the left-rated, centre-rated, or right-rated reports below mention the specific monetary damages or the potential for shutting down chatbots as penalties for violating the new law. The right-rated reports do not detail the specific dozen "unsafe AI companion features" prohibited by the law. ## Who covered it Shares of the 38 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 42% (16) - Centre: 50% (19) - Right: 8% (3) 7 of 45 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-29T00:45:12.332198+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 2 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-29T01:15:27.272Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left-rated reports led on the enactment of the law and its implications for child safety. Multiple outlets, including The Seattle Times, The Toronto Star, Welland Tribune.ca, The Independent, and Associated Press News, highlighted that New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions on companion chatbot behaviour to protect children using artificial intelligence. The Seattle Times and The Independent noted that the law is being enacted as states push AI regulation boundaries. Associated Press News and Bangor Daily News mentioned that the law comes amid growing warnings about the existential risks posed by AI and calls for action. ABC News and The Independent (US) stated that New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions on chatbot behaviour to protect children using artificial intelligence. Associated Press News also noted that eight states sued AI giant OpenAI earlier this month, alleging violations of consumer protection laws. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports focused on the details of the legislation and its effective date. My Mother Lode, The Record, Winnipeg Free Press, WKMG, Rutland Herald, LancasterOnline, Post Register, and The EagleHerald reported that New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions on companion chatbot behaviour. My Mother Lode, The Record, and WKMG noted that this move comes amid growing concerns about AI risks and a lack of federal regulation. My Mother Lode, The Record, Rutland Herald, LancasterOnline, Post Register, and The EagleHerald stated that Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that outlines prohibited "unsafe AI companion features" for interactions with minors. My Mother Lode also quoted Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of watchdog group Common Sense Media, who called New York’s law "the strongest kids’ AI safety bill in the country." ### Right - Right-rated reports highlighted Governor Hochul's actions and the broader context of AI regulation. The New York Post reported that Governor Hochul touted measures meant to put safeguards on AI and rein in other "big tech" concerns, in a move made less than a week before her election. WRGB stated that New York is tightening the screws on two fast-growing technologies, with Governor Hochul signing new laws aimed at blocking hackers from internet-connected baby monitors. Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reported that New York is enacting farther-reaching restrictions on chatbot behaviour to protect children using artificial intelligence and that Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation outlining prohibited "unsafe AI companion features" for interactions with minors. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - low: 1 - mixed: 4 - high: 14 - unknown: 7 - veryHigh: 19 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [WXXV 25](https://wxxv25.com/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries) — New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - WXXV News 25 - [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/10/28/ai-regulation-states) — New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/state/11261480/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries.html) — New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/business/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries) — New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/sci-tech/2026/10/28/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries/article_6b496627-e27b-5ee9-a297-0e01208bced5.html) — New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [WellandTribune.ca](https://wellandtribune.ca/business/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries/article_dd99c076-2390-5aaf-93e9-e365a65ee3ce.html) — New York enacts ban on ‘unsafe’ chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/new-york-kathy-hochul-harrisburg-donald-trump-gavin-newsom-b3075264.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/chatbots-ai-new-york-legislation-bans-children-03a4e090a7df1532838a5cb6f93a23ba) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [abc News](https://abcnews.com/Technology/wireStory/new-york-enacts-ban-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-kids-137656586) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids - [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/business/2026/10/28/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/10/28/nation/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation-boundaries) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/new-york-kathy-hochul-harrisburg-donald-trump-gavin-newsom-b3075264.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [Rutland Herald](https://rutlandherald.com/news/business/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_1accd125-5375-5634-ac02-944643790605.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [LancasterOnline](https://lancasteronline.com/news/national/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_0deccdb5-44bf-567d-9e22-139c7378ad3c.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [The Northern Virginia Daily](https://nvdaily.com/associated_press_national/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_a8d6ada6-328d-50c2-ade0-a9fc357e5be1.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [Kokomo Tribune](https://kokomotribune.com/news/nation_world_news/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_b0e0a80d-c514-5175-a23a-590d901eae9b.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [Post Register](https://postregister.com/news/national/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_c0f7c0be-b016-5baf-803f-bae29423956d.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [The EagleHerald](https://ehextra.com/news/nation_world/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_b9457195-d5b7-51d2-8f46-50eb584af9a4.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [The Sun Chronicle](https://thesunchronicle.com/business/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_3e3bdab4-3859-5703-a7fa-6e604c09260a.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [Gestion](https://gestion.pe/mix/usa/nueva-york-le-pone-un-freno-a-la-ia-firman-historica-ley-para-proteger-a-los-ninos-de-los-chatbots-nnda-nnrt-noticia) — New York Puts a Brake on AI: They Sign Historic Law to Protect Children From Chatbots - [El Comercio](https://elcomercio.pe/mag/usa/local-us/nueva-york-limita-los-chatbots-de-ia-para-menores-y-refuerza-la-seguridad-de-los-monitores-para-bebes-que-cambia-con-las-nuevas-leyes-nnda-nnrt-noticia) — New York Limits AI Chatbots for Minors and Strengthens the Safety of Baby Monitors: What Changes with New Laws - [Internewscast](https://internewscast.com/news/us/new-york-gov-hochul-signs-sweeping-ai-curbs-takes-on-big-tech) — New York Gov. Hochul Signs Sweeping AI Curbs, Takes On Big Tech - [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/10/28/us-news/hochul-signs-sweeping-restrictions-on-ai-pushes-back-on-big-tech-with-new-laws) — Hochul signs sweeping restrictions on AI, pushes back on ‘big tech’ with new laws - [Hola News](https://holanews.com/nueva-york-prohibe-funciones-daninas-en-los-chatbots-de-ia-dirigidos-a-menores) — New York Bans Harmful Functions in AI Chatbots Targeting Minors - [ppc.land](https://ppc.land/hochul-signs-law-barring-human-posing-ai-chatbots-for-under-18s) — Hochul signs law barring human-posing AI chatbots for under-18s - [Hanford Sentinel](https://hanfordsentinel.com/news/national/ny-gov-kathy-hochul-signs-bill-regulating-ai-chatbot-friends-that-endanger-children/article_101c695d-2189-5039-9fb8-096d5106cbfc.html) — NY Gov. Kathy Hochul signs bill regulating AI chatbot ‘friends’ that endanger children - [National Cyber Security](https://nationalcybersecurity.com/new-york-signs-child-safety-law-for-ai-chatbots-engadget-childsafety-kids-chldern-parents-schoolsafey) — New York signs child safety law for AI chatbots — Engadget | #childsafety | #kids | #chldern | #parents | #schoolsafey - National Cyber Security Consulting - [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/region-state/ai-chatbots-ban-children-bill-g86wc6dc) — New law signed by Hochul bans AI chatbots pretending to be human or having unsafe features for children under 18 - [WNYT NewsChannel 13](https://wnyt.com/top-stories/gov-hochul-signs-legislation-to-protect-kids-from-ai-in-ny) — Gov. Hochul signs legislation to protect kids from AI in NY - [SheKnows](https://sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1235089670/kathy-hochul-ai-law) — Why Gov. Kathy Hochul Keeps Protecting Kids from AI: 'This Is Deeply Personal for Me' - [udgtv](https://udgtv.com/noticias/nueva-york-prohibe-funciones-perjudiciales-en-chatbots/336092) — New York Bans Harmful Functions in AI Chatbots Targeting Minors - [NY Daily News](https://nydailynews.com/2026/10/28/hochul-signs-bill-protecting-ny-children-harmful-ai-chatbots) — Hochul signs bill regulating AI chatbot ‘friends’ that endanger children - [UOL](https://uol.com.br/tilt/noticias/redacao/2026/10/28/nova-york-veta-chatbots-que-fingem-ser-amigos-de-menores.ghtm) — NY Veta AI Chatbots Who Fake Friendship and Dating with Children - [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/ap_national_news/new-york-enacts-ban-on-unsafe-chatbot-behavior-with-kids-as-states-push-ai-regulation/article_ed446b90-df45-53bd-a4ad-bb164c396318.html) — New York enacts ban on 'unsafe' chatbot behavior with kids as states push AI regulation boundaries - [WHEC-TV](https://whec.com/top-news/bills-on-explicit-ai-chatbot-features-and-baby-monitor-safety-signed-into-ny-state-law) — Bills on explicit AI chatbot features and baby monitor safety signed into NY State law - [Engadget](https://engadget.com/2299823/new-york-governor-signs-ai-chatbot-child-safety-law) — New York governor signs AI chatbot child safety law - [DiarioBitcoin](https://diariobitcoin.com/regulacion/nueva-york-prohibe-que-los-chatbots-de-ia-finjan-ser-humanos-ante-menores) — New York Bans AI Chatbots From Pretending to Be Human to Minors - [Utica Phoenix](https://uticaphoenix.net/new-york-ai-chatbot-safety-law-baby-monitors) — New York AI Chatbot Safety Law Adds Baby Monitor Rules - [Law.com](https://law.com/newyorklawjournal/2026/10/28/ny-implements-chatbot-restrictions-for-interactions-with-minors-puts-ai-companies-on-notice) — NY Implements Chatbot Restrictions for Interactions With Minors, Puts AI Companies 'On Notice' - [news-photos-features.com](https://news-photos-features.com/2026/10/28/nys-governor-hochul-signs-nation-leading-legislation-to-protect-kids-from-ai-chatbots-and-ensure-baby-monitor-safety) — NYS Governor Hochul Signs Nation-Leading Legislation to Protect Kids from AI Chatbots and Ensure Baby Monitor Safety - News & Photo Features - [WRGB](https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/governor-hochul-signs-nation-leading-bill-to-shield-kids-from-unsafe-ai-chatbots-baby-monitors-new-york-artificial-intelligence-assemblymember-michaelle-c-solages-state-sen-andrew-gounardes-kids-protection-kristen-gonzalez-new-york-capital-cbs6-wrgb) — Gov. Hochul signs bill to shield children from unsafe AI chatbots, baby monitors - [Fortune](https://fortune.com/2026/10/28/new-york-state-kathy-hochul-bans-ai-chatbots-romantic-baby-monitors) — 'As New York’s mom Governor, I’m taking action': Kathy Hochul bans bots from cozying up to kids, cracks down on baby monitors - [Mashable](https://mashable.com/tech/ai-chatbot-law-new-york-hochul-signs-bill) — NY Gov. Hochul signs major chatbot safety law - [bgov.com](https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/hochul-signs-bills-on-ai-risks-to-children-in-pre-election-push) — Hochul Signs Bills on AI Risks to Children in Pre-Election Push ## Questions **What does the new New York law do regarding AI chatbots?** New York has enacted a law restricting AI companion chatbots that interact with children under 18. It defines and prohibits a dozen "unsafe AI companion features" and takes effect on January 1. Violations could lead to lawsuits and penalties. **When does the New York AI chatbot law take effect?** The law restricting AI chatbot interactions with minors in New York takes effect on January 1. This legislation aims to protect children under 18 from potentially harmful AI features. **What are the potential penalties for violating the New York AI chatbot law?** Violating the New York law restricting AI chatbot interactions with minors could result in lawsuits filed by the state attorney general's office. Penalties may include monetary damages and the shutdown of the chatbot. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/new-york-restricts-ai-chatbot-interactions-with-minors. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "New York restricts AI chatbot interactions with minors", https://mediabias.news/politics/new-york-restricts-ai-chatbot-interactions-with-minors