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California enacts digital safety and AI regulations for kids

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2026-09-11 06:38 UTC → 2026-09-11 17:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Legislative efforts in California and at the federal level are focusing on education and digital safety for minors. At the federal level, the bipartisan READ Act seeks to modernize literacy grant programs by requiring evidence-based reading instruction. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a comprehensive package of 13 laws aimed at protecting children and adolescents from the risks associated with social media and artificial intelligence. These measures include a ban on “addictive” social media features, such as infinite scroll and algorithmic autoplay, for users under the age of 16. Large platforms found negligent in causing harm through these features could face penalties of up to $1 million per child. Further protections target artificial intelligence. The legislation mandates that AI chatbot operators perform risk assessments before deployment and include built-in mental health resources. Following the death of a teenager linked to chatbot interactions, the so-called ‘Adam’s Law’ requires chatbots to notify parents if a user shows signs of self-harm. To ensure compliance, the state is establishing a regulatory framework for AI oversight, which includes creating a registry for independent AI auditors and a system for certifying Independent Verification Organizations to assess AI risks. New provisions within the legislative package expand privacy protections for student data, specifically prohibiting technology companies from utilizing educational data to train AI models. The laws also broaden criminal sanctions to encompass AI-generated or digitally altered child sexual abuse material. While major developers like OpenAI and Anthropic have supported these regulations, some digital rights groups and tech giants have raised concerns regarding ~~privacy and~~ privacy, free speech ~~implications.~~ implications, and the practicalities of implementation. Additionally, Assembly Bill 2071 directs the California Department of Education to develop a plan by January 1, 2028, to expand digital wellness instruction in public schools, covering online safety and the evaluation of AI content.

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