California Passes New Child Online Safety Laws Amid AI

California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved a new set of laws to boost child online safety. The move comes as worries over social media and AI risks continue to rise.

Now required chatbots

One law now requires chatbots to clearly state that they are powered by AI. In addition, these chatbots must remind minors to take a break every three hours. This rule aims to reduce excessive screen time and promote healthier online habits.
Another new law focuses on age verification. It directs major device makers, such as Apple and Google, to create tools that confirm user ages. Therefore, tech companies will need to strengthen their systems to ensure kids use their platforms safely.
California is not the first to introduce such measures. However, these new laws carry extra weight because many of the world’s largest tech firms are based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a result, the state’s actions could influence national and global online safety standards.
Experts say these steps reflect growing public demand for digital responsibility. For example, many parents and educators have pushed for stronger protections for young users. California’s move shows that governments are beginning to take those concerns seriously.