A new state law prohibits the marketing of AI chatbots that offer unsafe companion features to anyone under 18, marking a tighter regulatory step for artificial intelligence in the United States.

New York has become the first U.S. state to ban the marketing of AI chatbots that provide "companion" functions to anyone under 18, a move aimed at curbing exposure to potentially harmful interactions.

What the Law Prohibits

The legislation bars developers and advertisers from promoting AI-driven conversational agents that claim to offer emotional support, friendship, or romantic companionship to minors. Any chatbot that includes features such as personalized encouragement, virtual dating, or mental‑health advice must be inaccessible to users under the age of majority.

Enforcement and Penalties

The state Attorney General’s office will enforce the rule, imposing fines of up to $10,000 per violation and the possibility of civil injunctions. Companies found in breach must also remove the offending content from all platforms accessible within New York.

Industry Reaction

Tech firms have expressed mixed feelings. Some applaud the protective intent, while others warn that the broad language could stifle innovation in AI‑driven mental‑health tools that are already subject to rigorous privacy standards.

  • Prohibits marketing of AI companions to minors
  • Requires age‑verification mechanisms for existing chatbot services
  • Allows exemptions for licensed mental‑health providers
  • Sets fines up to $10,000 per infraction

Advocates for youth safety argue that the law fills a regulatory gap, noting that many popular chatbots can simulate personal relationships and influence vulnerable users.

Critics contend that the ban may push risky services underground, making it harder for parents and regulators to monitor harmful content.

For a broader look at how AI regulation is evolving across the United States, see Technology coverage on uxc.news.

Read the full report in Washington Post coverage of New York AI companion ban.

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