technologyThursday, October 29, 2026event Oct 292 sources

New York Enacts AI Regulation Targeting Chatbots That Mimic Relationships With Minors, Sparking Tech Industry Backlash

New York State passed legislation prohibiting AI chatbots from engaging in simulated romantic or sexual relationships with minors under 18. The law includes penalties for non-compliance and has drawn significant opposition from the tech industry. Consumer advocacy groups and the New York State Attorney General support the measure, while the Federal Trade Commission has expressed interest in reviewing it.

New York State passed legislation targeting AI chatbots that simulate relationships with minors, prohibiting such chatbots from engaging in simulated romantic or sexual relationships with users under 18. The law includes provisions for monitoring and restricting AI chatbots that may exploit minors, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and potential shutdown of AI chatbot services. The New York State Attorney General announced plans to enforce the new regulations through existing consumer protection frameworks.

Where Sources Diverge

The-malay-mail reports that the law has sparked significant backlash from the tech industry, while infobae does not specify the nature of the backlash.

the-malay-mail

The law has sparked significant backlash from the tech industry, with concerns over overreach and potential stifling of innovation.

infobae

The law prohibits AI chatbots from engaging in simulated romantic or sexual relationships with users under the age of 18.

The-malay-mail mentions the involvement of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in reviewing the law, while infobae does not mention this.

the-malay-mail

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expressed interest in reviewing the law as part of its broader AI regulation strategy.

infobae

The law prohibits AI chatbots from engaging in simulated romantic or sexual relationships with users under the age of 18.

The-malay-mail reports that the law includes penalties for non-compliance, while infobae does not specify the nature of the penalties.

the-malay-mail

The law includes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential shutdown of AI chatbot services.

infobae

The law prohibits AI chatbots from engaging in simulated romantic or sexual relationships with users under the age of 18.

The-malay-mail mentions the involvement of the New York State Attorney General in enforcing the law, while infobae does not specify this.

the-malay-mail

The New York State Attorney General has announced plans to enforce the new regulations through existing consumer protection frameworks.

infobae

The law prohibits AI chatbots from engaging in simulated romantic or sexual relationships with users under the age of 18.

Sources

IndependentThe Malay MailOct 29, 11:21 AM
New York law targets AI chatbots that mimic relationships with minors, sparking tech industry backlash - Malay Mail

New York law targets AI chatbots that mimic relationships with minors, sparking tech industry backlash Malay Mail