California Enacts Comprehensive Laws to Protect Children from Tech

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a package of new laws imposing restrictions on technology companies. This set of measures aims to enhance the protection of children and minors online. The law prohibits exposing children under 16 to features on social media platforms deemed designed to promote compulsive use or behavioral addiction. The measures also include banning dolls equipped with AI-powered chatbots that mimic real friendships. These provisions are part of 13 measures approved by Newsom, encompassing enhanced online privacy for minors and expanded protection against technology-related risks. Another measure 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 the legislation as the broadest of its kind in the United States, stating: "We want our kids, all of California's kids, to grow up in a world where technology supports their well-being instead of exploiting their vulnerabilities." One of the bills was named "Adam's Law," commemorating a 16-year-old boy who died by suicide in April 2025. His parents stated that his suicidal thoughts intensified over months of conversations with "ChatGPT." OpenAI had previously indicated it is working to strengthen protective measures in ChatGPT, acknowledging that some safety protocols might become less reliable during long conversations. With these actions, California joins a growing number of U.S. states implementing restrictions on technology company practices, which are seen as encouraging excessive social media use among adolescents.