[REVISION HISTORY]

New York AI and digital safety regulations for minors

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2026-10-29 11:38 UTC → 2026-10-29 21:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) announced a policy for the 2026-27 school year to restrict student-facing generative AI tools for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. While high schools may participate in limited pilot programs, the NYCDOE has flagged 38 specific products for restriction, leading to disputes from technology vendors and adjustments to software features. Following these local developments, Governor Kathy Hochul signed state-level legislation to protect minors from unsafe AI chatbot interactions. ~~Effective~~ Signed on October 28, 2026, and effective January 1, 2027, the law prohibits generative AI from claiming to be human, alive, or capable of emotions, and bans chatbots from asserting personal, romantic, or authority-based relationships with children. The legislation also forbids AI from promoting self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, or substance abuse, and prevents chatbots from using emotional appeals to encourage children to isolate themselves. Specifically, the law prohibits chatbots from prompting children to keep secrets or avoid seeking help from trusted adults. Companies are required to implement rigorous age verification processes that go beyond simple self-declaration and are prohibited from using unsolicited emotional questions or private health data. Violations may result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per infraction, as well as restitution, court-ordered mandates for the destruction of illegally collected data and trained models, or the shutdown of the offending chatbot. While advocacy groups like Common Sense Media have praised the law as a robust safety measure, organizations such as Tech:NYC have criticized it for its “vague language and potential First Amendment implications.” The law excludes AI tools used strictly for customer service, technical assistance, or internal business operations. ~~This regulatory movement follows similar actions in California and addresses growing concerns regarding the psychological impact of AI companions on youth.~~ In a related legislative move, Governor Hochul also signed a law mandating security protections for internet-connected baby monitors sold in New York. ~~These devices must include safeguards against unauthorized viewing or listening and must carry clear warning labels regarding their connectivity.~~

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