Gov. Newsom Signs Sweeping New Rules for Online Child Safety
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation aimed at protecting children online, including restrictions on addictive social media features and safety requirements for AI chatbots. These laws represent some of the most stringent digital safety regulations in the United States.
Why it matters
This legislation sets a potential precedent for national digital policy regarding child safety and the regulation of emerging AI technologies.
Technology Gov. Newsom Signs Sweeping New Rules for Online Child Safety The move comes hours after a researcher’s resignation post has reignited fears about the direction of new technology. Sep 10, 2026 Updated 5:07 pm PT Rachael Myrow Listen Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at Google's San Francisco office in on Aug. 7, 2025. One of bills the governor signed Thursday restricts addictive social media features for kids under 16; another requires AI chatbot operators to prove their products are safe. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of online child safety bills Thursday, enacting some of the strongest protections for young users in the country.
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