California signs into law new restrictions on social media features for minors and AI chatbots in toys

Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a suite of 13 bills aimed at protecting minors from technology risks. The legislation bars users younger than 16 from accessing social-media features deemed to encourage compulsive use, such as infinite scrolling and algorithmic autoplay, and bans the manufacture and sale of toys that contain AI companion chatbots for the next four years. A related measure requires parental controls and safety assessments for chatbot programs.

The package also expands criminal sanctions to cover digitally altered or AI-generated child sexual abuse material and strengthens online privacy protections for minors. The social-media restrictions, known as Assembly Bill 1709, target what lawmakers describe as “psychologically exploitative” design elements intended to maximize engagement.

"We want our children – and every California kid – to grow up in a world where technology supports their wellbeing, rather than exploits their vulnerabilities," Newsom said in a statement.

The measures are named “Adam’s Law” in memory of a 16-year-old who died by suicide after reportedly receiving encouragement from an AI chatbot. OpenAI has said it will improve safeguards for its ChatGPT service.

California joins a growing list of states, including Utah, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, Texas, Florida and New York, that have enacted or considered limits on youth access to social media. The state’s actions come as major tech firms, such as Meta, have recently agreed to settlements that restrict teen usage of their platforms.

Critics, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, argue the laws could infringe on privacy and free-speech rights.