Gavin Newsom imposes strict new rules on AI, social media and chatbots for children
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation aimed at protecting children from addictive social media features and regulating AI chatbots. The laws include bans on infinite scrolling and autoplay for users under 16, alongside requirements for AI risk assessments.
Why it matters
This legislation sets a significant legal precedent for how US states regulate tech giants and protect minors from algorithmic harm.
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at the Bay Area Discovery Museum on 10 September 2026 in Sausalito, California. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at the Bay Area Discovery Museum on 10 September 2026 in Sausalito, California. Social media Gavin Newsom imposes strict new rules on AI, social media and chatbots for children California governor hails ‘nation-leading’ legislation banning addictive features for users under 16
Prefer the Guardian on Google California has adopted what Gavin Newsom described as “nation-leading” legislation that bans addictive social media features for young users, regulates companion chatbots and implements new safeguards around AI.
The laws, signed by the Democratic California governor on Thursday, include AB 1709, which bars social media companies from using infinite scroll and autoplay for users under 16.
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