California governor signs sweeping new laws to protect kids online
What's the story
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of groundbreaking laws aimed at safeguarding the state's youth from potentially harmful tech applications. The new legislation includes restrictions on addictive social media features and guidelines for interactions with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. These measures are part of California's broader effort to protect minors in an increasingly digital world.
Penalties imposed
Hefty fines for negligent social media companies
The new laws impose hefty fines on social media companies that fail to protect children from harm. If found negligent, these firms could be fined up to $1 million per child.
The legislation also prohibits tech companies from providing addictive content feeds to users under 16 years of age.
These measures are aimed at curbing the potential dangers posed by social media platforms for young users.
Chatbot regulations
AI chatbot operators must conduct risk assessments
The new laws also impose strict requirements on operators of AI chatbots.
They will now have to conduct risk assessments before launching their products.
This is a major step toward ensuring the safety of these advanced technologies, especially for younger users who may not fully understand the potential risks involved in interacting with them.
Safety emphasis
Newsom's remarks underscore growing concern over tech safety
Speaking at a children's museum near San Francisco, Newsom stressed the need to protect children in an era where they have easy access to social media and AI chatbots.
He compared the safety measures taken for cribs, chairs, and car seats with the lack of such precautions in technology.
The governor's remarks highlight the growing concern over tech safety for minors.
Industry response
Meta raises concerns over new laws
Meta has raised concerns over some of the new laws.
The company said that the law restricting addictive feeds limits its ability to provide engaging content for users on its platforms.
Despite these concerns, Newsom defended the legislation as a step forward in protecting California's children from potential tech-related harms.
Policy history
Newsom's mixed record on tech policy
Newsom has had a mixed record on tech policy during his nearly eight-year tenure as governor.
He had previously signed a law requiring platforms to inform users they are talking to a chatbot and not a human.
However, he also vetoed a bill that would have banned companies from offering AI chatbots to anyone under 18 unless they could guarantee the technology wouldn't engage in explicit conversations or promote self-harm.