California restricts addictive features for children and toys with AI chatbots
Gavin Newsom signed a package of 13 laws: children under 16 will be blocked from infinite scrolling and autoplay, while toys with AI companions will be banned for four years.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of 13 laws to protect minors in digital environments. One prohibits platforms from showing children under 16 infinite scrolling, algorithmic autoplay and other features designed to compulsively hold their attention. [1 · Reuters]
Another law bans the manufacture and sale of toys with built-in AI companions for four years. Related provisions require parental controls and risk assessments for companion software, and expand criminal prohibitions on AI-generated child sexual abuse material. [1 · Reuters]
Expert commentary
California is home to Google[1], Meta and Snap, so the new requirements directly affect the developers of the largest social platforms. The laws received broad bipartisan support, but the Electronic Frontier Foundation called the approach a threat to young users’ privacy and free speech. [1 · Reuters]
the practical challenge will be determining age without excessive collection of personal data and defining exactly which mechanisms are prohibited. Implementing rules will show whether child protection can be separated from the creation of a new system of continuous identity verification for users. [1 · Reuters]
Expert commentary
California is home to Google[1], Meta and Snap, so the new requirements directly affect the developers of the largest social platforms. The laws received broad bipartisan support, but the Electronic Frontier Foundation called the approach a threat to young users’ privacy and free speech. [1 · Reuters]
the practical challenge will be determining age without excessive collection of personal data and defining exactly which mechanisms are prohibited. Implementing rules will show whether child protection can be separated from the creation of a new system of continuous identity verification for users. [1 · Reuters]