California enacts new curbs on social media for children
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of 13 bills aimed at protecting minors from harmful technology, including restrictions on addictive social media features and AI-powered companion toys. The legislation, dubbed 'Adam's Law,' also expands criminal penalties for AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
Why it matters
This represents a significant legislative effort to regulate the tech industry's impact on youth mental health and safety, setting a potential precedent for other states.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on Thursday new tech company restrictions barring children under 16 from exposure to behaviorally addictive features on social media platforms and banning toys containing AI companion chatbots.
The two measures were among 13 bills Newsom enacted as a package designed to safeguard young people from technology seen as putting them at risk, including greater online privacy protection for minors.
Another measure expanded the scope of criminal sanctions against child sexual abuse material to include any digitally altered or AI-generated content that depicts a person under the age of 18 engaged in sexual conduct.
Still another bans for the next four years the manufacture and sale of toys that incorporate a companion chatbot. A related measure requires parental controls on chatbot programs, along with other safety and risk assessments.
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