Technology
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed into law new legislation imposing stringent restrictions on technology companies, as part of a legislative package aimed at enhancing the protection of children and minors in the digital space. These measures reflect growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on younger age groups. The new law prohibits exposing children under the age of 16 to specific features on social media platforms that are deemed designed to promote compulsive use or behavioral addiction. The new measures also include a ban on AI-powered chat dolls that mimic real friendships, as the state seeks to address modern challenges posed by technology. These steps are part of a broader package of 13 measures approved by Newsom, which aim to bolster online privacy for minors and expand protection against various risks associated with technological advancements. In a significant move, another provision broadened criminal penalties for child sexual exploitation materials to include digitally altered or AI-generated content depicting individuals under 18 in sexual contexts. Newsom described these legislations as the most comprehensive of their kind in the United States, stating: "We want our kids, and all of California’s kids, to grow up in a world where technology supports their well-being rather than exploits their vulnerabilities." One of the bills was named "Adam's Law," in memory of a 16-year-old boy who died by suicide in April 2025, after his parents reported that his suicidal thoughts were exacerbated during months of conversations with ChatGPT. In a related development, OpenAI is working to enhance safety measures in ChatGPT and previously acknowledged that some safety protocols might become less reliable during extended conversations. With these comprehensive measures, California joins a growing number of U.S. states imposing restrictions on the practices of technology companies perceived as encouraging excessive social media use among adolescents.
