Newsom signs online kid safety laws, including rules backed by Sam Altman

On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom approved comprehensive new child safety regulations for social media and AI chatbots. This includes a law supported by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, as the political push to regulate tech giants intensifies. Newsom’s decision to sign these bills arrives at a crucial time for Silicon Valley, with state and national lawmakers clamoring for stricter AI regulations. This follows warnings from current and former researchers at Anthropic and OpenAI that unchecked AI technology could pose existential threats to humanity. Tech giants like Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok are also dealing with numerous child safety lawsuits. Notably, Meta recently settled a major lawsuit, agreeing to pay up to $18 billion to various states. However, Newsom, a probable candidate for the presidency in 2028, described Meta’s settlement as only a minor contribution. He emphasized the need for the federal government to enhance California’s online safety standards. “We’re taking the lead once again, but the current standard is woefully inadequate, which is incredibly frustrating,” Newsom remarked shortly before signing the bills at an event in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Why can’t the United States of America move forward? Why can’t Congress and the president demonstrate leadership on this issue? It’s unacceptable and ridiculous.” The new laws will create what Newsom hailed as groundbreaking safeguards aimed at protecting young people from the dangers of unrestrained social media and AI usage. They heighten legal accountability for companies to safeguard children’s health and prohibit teens under 16 from accessing certain “addictive” features of social media. One specific law, SB 1119, mandates AI chatbots to confirm users’ ages, curtail exposure of inappropriate content to kids, and limit AI companies’ advertising efforts directed at minors. Advocates for the bill, including its authors and children’s safety organizations like Common Sense Media, argue that these measures are essential in light of recent lawsuits claiming that interactions with chatbots have contributed to youth suicides and other harms. Known as “Adam’s Law,” this legislation is named after Adam Raine, a young Californian who took his life following extensive discussions with ChatGPT about harmful strategies. Adam’s family is suing OpenAI over the tragedy, and his mother, Maria Raine, addressed attendees at Thursday’s bill-signing event. “It will save lives, prevent serious harm, and hopefully inspire other states to adopt similar protective measures,” Maria Raine expressed.