Disruption

Calls for guardrails on AI companions grow louder

California and New York have passed legislation to limit AI friends for minors.
A student uses her cellphone as she steps outside a high school in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

State lawmakers face mounting pressure to regulate artificial intelligence companion chatbots amid growing alarm over their impact on youth wellbeing.

Lawmakers in California and New York laid down markers this year with nation-leading legislation to establish limits on AI friends. Youth and consumer advocates say they are already talking to lawmakers in other states about introducing more bills in 2026.

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