Governor Newsom has vetoed a proposed AI chatbot ban for minors but approved a transparency law requiring disclosure and mental health safeguards.
- Newsom vetoed a strict AI chatbot restriction bill
- Approved a narrower transparency and safety law
- Companies must disclose AI use and filter harmful content
- Critics say industry lobbying weakened protections
- New law takes effect in 2026
Summary:
Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a California bill that sought to ban minors’ access to AI chatbots altogether, saying it was too broad and difficult to enforce. Instead, he signed a scaled-down transparency law requiring AI platforms to disclose when users are chatting with bots and to filter out potentially harmful or triggering content.
The decision has sparked criticism from child safety advocates, who claim the tech industry’s lobbying diluted stronger measures. The vetoed bill would have imposed stricter age restrictions and fines for violations, but tech groups argued that such rules could suppress innovation and raise privacy concerns.
Under the new law, AI companies must implement self-harm content detection and allow users to delete chat histories. Enforcement is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
Parental takeaway:
AI companions remain accessible to minors for now. Parents should take initiative—review app permissions, and talk to kids about the risks of bonding with AI “friends” designed to learn their emotions.
Source: AP
