California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of legislation, including 'Adam's Law' (SB 1119), which mandates independent safety audits for AI companion chatbots and restricts addictive social media features for users under 16. These laws impose significant civil liability on technology companies, including potential penalties of up to $1 million per child for negligent harm.
These regulations force an immediate technical pivot for streaming and social platforms, requiring the removal of core engagement features like autoplay for younger demographics. By mandating independent audits and establishing million-dollar penalties per user, California is shifting the liability framework from self-regulation to strict statutory oversight. This move likely signals a fragmented domestic market as other states replicate these specific safety mandates, complicating product roadmaps for global tech firms. Watch for the first wave of independent safety audits and potential legal challenges from industry trade groups regarding First Amendment protections for algorithmic speech.
The global regulatory landscape for digital safety is tightening, with Ofcom launches TikTok age assurance investigation serving as a parallel effort to enforce strict age-gating and content moderation standards, while the EU AI Act compliance deadlines highlight the broader international push for high-risk system oversight.
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new California legislation, including SB 1119 and AB 1709, to regulate AI chatbots and social media. These laws mandate independent safety audits for companion bots and prohibit addictive features like infinite scroll for minors. Companies face up to $1 million in penalties per child for negligence.
SB 1119 requires operators of companion chatbots to implement crisis protocols for self-harm queries and undergo annual independent safety audits.
AB 1709 bans social media platforms from using autoplay, infinite scroll, and personalized algorithmic feeds for users under the age of 16.
AB 2 establishes civil penalties of up to $1 million per child for social media companies found negligent in harming minors.
Yes, SB 867 imposes a four-year moratorium on the sale or manufacture of toys for children under 16 that feature integrated chatbots.
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