California tightens rules for minors using AI chatbots and social media

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of laws regulating how minors use AI chatbots and restricting social media features deemed potentially addictive for users under 16.

Under the measures, chatbot companies must introduce safeguards including time limits, mental-health resources and protocols for discussions involving self-harm. Parents must also be notified when a child disables safety settings.

The laws require AI companies to undergo independent child-safety audits and conduct annual risk assessments. Engadget reported that companies could face legal liability if they fail to comply, although the source did not provide details of penalties or enforcement.

Social media companies will be barred from giving under-16 users access to features including autoplay, notifications and personalised algorithmic feeds. The restrictions do not amount to a complete ban on social media.

The package also expands child sexual-exploitation protections to cover generative AI-made and digitally altered images, restricts targeted advertising and regulates AI systems’ use of K–12 student data.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation criticised the social media provisions, saying they could function as a ban for teenagers and create privacy risks by requiring users to provide more personal information for age verification. The laws follow broader AI compliance-audit frameworks signed by Newsom the previous day.