Shafaqna English– California Governor Gavin Newsom enacted new tech company restrictions on Thursday that prevent children under 16 from being exposed to behaviorally addictive social media features and ban toys containing AI companion chatbots.
The two steps were among 13 bills Newsom signed as a package aimed at shielding young people from technology deemed harmful, including enhanced online privacy protection for minors.
One measure broadened criminal penalties for child sexual abuse material to cover any digitally altered or AI-generated content depicting a person under 18 in sexual conduct.
Another measure prohibits the manufacture and sale of toys containing a companion chatbot for the next four years, while a related measure mandates parental controls on chatbot programs and other safety and risk assessments.
Source: Reuters