✖️ New York Wants to Ban AI "Friendships" for Kids

The New York State Legislature passed a bill to restrict minors' access to most AI companion features. If signed by the governor, it would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Under the proposed rules, companies would have to ensure that chatbots available to children:

✅ Do not pretend to be real people;
✅ Do not express emotions;
✅ Do not suggest friendship or romantic relationships;
✅ Do not flatter users;
✅ Do not encourage risky behavior;
✅ Do not urge children to keep secrets from their parents;
✅ Do not generate sexual content.

💰 Violations could result in fines of up to $25,000 per incident, as well as the loss of any revenue earned through the violation, such as advertising income.

👨 The restrictions would not apply to customer-service bots, shopping assistants, tech-support chats, or workplace AI tools—as long as they stick to their intended functions and do not engage in companion-style conversations.

Should children's use of AI companions be restricted?

❤️ — Yes, these restrictions will help protect them
🔥 — Parents should decide, not the government

@hiaimediaen