Disruption

New York passes 5-year ban on AI toys

Lawmakers cited risks to children’s privacy and emotional health.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, speaks with a Disney robot during an Nvidia conference focusing on artificial intelligence in San Jose, Calif., Monday, March 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

New York lawmakers approved a moratorium on artificial intelligence-powered toys in response to concerns that they could pose emotional and privacy risks to the youngest children.

It’s one of several attempts by legislators to regulate AI toys such as interactive robots and stuffed animals. The California Senate passed a similar bill, a federal bill was introduced, and a Maryland bill that would have regulated them died. 

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