Our advocacy continues to put children’s safety and well-being ahead of tech company profits.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Wednesday establishing new safeguards for AI companion chatbots — legislation we actively lobbied for as part of our broader effort to protect children in an increasingly digital world.
The new law addresses growing concerns about AI chatbots that can expose children to inappropriate content, encourage dangerous behaviors and foster unhealthy emotional attachments.
Unlike traditional search engines or educational tools, AI companion chatbots are designed to simulate human relationships. Some engage children in deeply personal conversations, raising serious concerns about their mental health, safety and emotional development.
The legislation establishes important safeguards and places greater responsibility on technology companies to protect young users.
Recognizing the governor’s continued leadership in protecting children from harmful technology, NYSUT President Melinda Person released the following statement:
“Gov. Hochul continues to lead the way in protecting our kids from harmful technology. From creating distraction-free schools to taking on addictive social media algorithms, she has listened to parents and educators and taken bold action to put kids first. Now, she’s confronting the risks posed by AI chatbots. Our kids deserve the chance to learn, grow and build real human connections without technology getting in the way. I applaud Gov. Hochul for continuing to stand up to Big Tech and putting the well-being of our children first.”
Building on our momentum
This victory is part of a much bigger movement we’ve been building together.
We helped lead the fight for bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions in schools. We’ve pushed back against addictive algorithms and excessive screen time. And through our Unplugged: Reclaiming Human-Centered Education initiative, we’re bringing educators, parents, researchers and policymakers together to rethink the role of technology in children’s lives.
More than 600 people joined us at our Unplugged conference in September, and we’re continuing that conversation through regional listening sessions and advocacy for stronger protections.
We’re fighting for age-appropriate limits on classroom technology, stronger student privacy protections and meaningful educator input into decisions about AI in our schools.
Read more about the law here.