California Governor Newsom Enacts Strict Laws on Social Media and AI for Child Protection
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a comprehensive package of laws aimed at protecting children from the potential harms of social media and AI chatbots. These new regulations, described as 'nation-leading,' include provisions that could fine large social media companies up to $1 million per child if negligence in causing harm is proven. The legislation also bans tech businesses from providing addictive features, such as infinite scroll and autoplay, to users under 16. Furthermore, operators of AI chatbots are now required to conduct risk assessments before deploying their products, and families have the option to opt out of school-issued laptops. One significant bill, known as 'Adam's Law,' specifically targets AI companion chatbots, mandating age assurance, child-safety risk assessments, independent audits, and parental controls. This law was named after Adam Raine, a teenager whose mother stated he was 'coached' by a chatbot before his death by suicide. The new regulations also update child sex...
