California Governor Approves New Online Child Safety Legislation

Governor Gavin Newsur signed a package of online child-safety bills on Thursday, creating some of the nation’s toughest protections for young internet users. The legislation includes Senate Bill 1119, which requires developers of AI companion chatbots to evaluate risks to children, document findings and submit them to an independent auditor, while also mandating parental controls and in-app crisis support. Assembly Bill 2 raises the potential damages that large social-media companies could face when their actions harm a child, and Assembly Bill 1709 bans platforms from offering addictive engagement features to users under 16.

Newsur said the measures establish a framework for a more aggressive enforcement posture. First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsur highlighted the long-awaited nature of the reforms, describing them as “truly for the kids.”

Jim Steyer of Common Sense Media, which supported all three bills, called the enactment an “incredible moment.” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan noted that the new law will create a state-run registry of AI auditors beginning in January, expanding oversight of emerging technologies.

The bills join existing California rules that require companion chatbots to disclose they are machines and to direct users in crisis to help. Similar regulations have been adopted in New York, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

OpenAI’s vice president of global affairs, Chris Lehane, welcomed SB 1119, saying it meets parental needs and supports teens’ educational success. Anthropic’s government-affairs spokesperson, Cesar Fernandez, praised the distinction the bills make between AI audits and risk evaluations.

An assembly member told KQED that the focus should be on everyday impacts of AI systems, emphasizing the need to protect Californians’ employment, healthcare and mental-health well-being.