CA governor signs 'landmark' laws on youth use of social media and AI chatbots

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws that restrict teens’ access to potentially addictive social media features and limit interactions with AI chatbots, imposing time limits, mental-health safeguards, and parental notifications. AI companies must conduct independent safety audits, annual risk assessments, and face liability for non-compliance. The legislation also expands child-sexual-exploitation definitions to include AI-generated images and regulates targeted advertising and data use for K-12 students.