Key Takeaways
- California enforces strict AI regulations including suicide prevention in chatbots and deepfake penalties
- Social media platforms must display mental health warning labels for minors starting 2027
- New laws address off-campus cyberbullying and strengthen age verification requirements
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a comprehensive package of technology-focused legislation designed to protect minors from the potential harms of artificial intelligence and social media. The new laws establish some of the nation’s strongest safeguards for children interacting with digital platforms.
AI Safety Regulations
Senate Bill 243, taking effect January 1, requires AI companies to implement critical safety measures for “companion” chatbots. These systems must now prevent discussions about suicide or self-harm with users of any age and alert minors every three hours that they’re interacting with artificial intelligence. The legislation also bars these systems from promoting sexually explicit content to underage users.
This law follows multiple lawsuits where families alleged their children died by suicide after being influenced by AI chatbot companions.
Assembly Bill 316 eliminates a legal defense used by AI developers who claimed they couldn’t be held responsible for harm caused by autonomous AI products. Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) stated this change will force better product vetting and ensure developer accountability.
AB 621 significantly increases penalties for creating nonconsensual deepfake pornography, raising maximum fines from $30,000 to $50,000 and from $150,000 to $250,000 for malicious cases. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) highlighted a recent incident where “five students were expelled from a Beverly Hills Middle School after creating and sharing AI generated nude photos of their classmates.”
Social Media Warning Labels
Starting in 2027, AB 56 will require social media platforms to display warning labels informing minors about mental health risks associated with their use. Attorney General Rob Bonta declared, “We will not sit and wait for companies to decide to prioritize children’s well-being over their profits. By adding warning labels to social media platforms, AB 56 gives California a new tool to protect our children.”
Additional Youth Protection Measures
AB 1043 mandates that app stores and device manufacturers collect age data to ensure compliance with verification requirements, receiving support from major tech companies including Google and Meta.
AB 772 requires California K-12 schools to develop policies by mid-2027 addressing off-campus bullying and cyberbullying. Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) explained that “after-school bullying follows the pupil back to school and into the classroom, creating a hostile environment at school.”
The Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the measure, noting that constant internet connectivity means bullying no longer stops when school ends. However, the California School Boards Association opposed the bill, arguing school officials shouldn’t be responsible for student behavior outside school hours.
Governor’s Statement
Governor Newsom emphasized the balanced approach in his announcement: “Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect — but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead and endanger our kids. We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way. Our children’s safety is not for sale.”
