California Enacts Strict Child Safety Law Curbing Addictive Feeds and Regulating AI Chatbots
Original title:美加州法案禁止社交媒体平台向 16 岁以下用户提供成瘾性功能
IT Home, September 11 — On September 10 local time, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the signing of what is billed as the nation's strictest child safety legislation regarding chatbots and social media.
This legislation prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive features—such as autoplay and algorithmic feeds based on user history and profiles—to users under the age of 16; requires operators to provide robust protections for child-companion chatbots, including independent child safety audits and annual risk assessments; expands the scope of protections against the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors; protects children from targeted advertising; and regulates the use of minor students' data by artificial intelligence systems.
Image source: Pexels
Gavin Newsom stated:
"Child safety belongs at the core of all conversations about technology. As technology evolves at a breakneck pace, our protections must keep up. Today’s legislation makes it clear that California will not stand by and allow unregulated technology to put our children in harm's way. Innovation comes with responsibility, and protecting children remains our top priority."
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom stated:
"We want our children—and every child in California—to grow up in a world where technology enhances their well-being rather than exploiting their vulnerabilities. Through this vital legislation, California is sending a strong message: when it comes to our children's future, safety must never be an afterthought—it should be built into design and serve as a necessary prerequisite for all innovation."
Why it's worth reading
The measure sets a concrete regulatory precedent, directly restricting core algorithmic engagement loops and establishing mandatory safety audits for child-facing AI.