Governor Hochul Signs Nation-Leading Legislation to Protect Kids From AI Chatbots and to Ensure Baby Monitor Safety

Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said, "A baby monitor should keep watch for parents, not open the door for hackers and strangers. Now, every internet connected baby monitor sold in New York must be built to keep intruders out and clearly labeled so families know how to stay safe. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation into law and Senator Gounardes, my Senate sponsor, for his partnership in protecting New York families."

Baby monitors can be an open door into the home. When security researchers at Rapid7 tested nine internet-connected baby monitors from eight companies, eight monitors received an "F" for security and one received a "D". This new law prohibits the sale of new baby monitors that broadcast audio or video over the internet unless they include security features that prevent strangers from seeing or hearing what is happening in the child's room. Monitors must also carry a clear, easy-to-read warning label explaining that the device connects to the internet and that families should use its security features. The law will take effect 90 days after signing.

S.9051B/A.10379C prohibits companies that utilize AI chatbot features from offering unsafe features to minors, including chatbots that pretend to be human, build emotional dependency, encourage self-harm or engage in sexually explicit conversations.

State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, "We have a responsibility to keep children safe online. For too long, AI companies have profited from rolling out chatbots to underage consumers. These chatbots have proven to be dangerous for children-from instances of encouraging self-harm to coaching minors on how to harm others. We passed S9051B/A10379C alongside Assemblymember Bores to put real guardrails on how chatbots talk to children. Thank you to Common Sense Media, impacted families, and the coalition that relentlessly advocated for this bill to be passed. I am grateful for Governor Hochul's leadership in signing this bill and her commitment to making New York a leader in responsible AI."

Assemblymember Alex Bores said, "For everyone wondering whether the public can have any say in determining how AI impacts us, New York again has an answer: Absolutely. New York now has the strongest law in the country protecting children from predatory AI algorithms, raising the floor yet again when it comes to common sense regulation - and doing so despite aggressive industry opposition. Our state's leadership is a reminder to the rest of the country that AI happening to us - not for us - is not an inevitability. It's a choice."

AI Chatbots and connected devices have taken a significant role in our homes and lives faster than safety protections can keep up. According to Common Sense Media, most teens are already using AI companions. Seventy-two percent of teens have used an AI companion once, and 52% are regular users who interact with them at least a few times a month. AI chatbots have been linked to dependency, isolation, and in some cases, engaged in sexually explicit conversations and even have allegedly encouraged teens to take their own lives.