California tightens up: 13 new laws to make kids safer online, including rules for AI chatbots

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed 13 new laws to better protect children online, including in their encounters with AI.

The most talked-about is "Adam's Law." It sets requirements for so-called companion chatbots (AI you can chat with as a kind of friend or confidant). The companies must have crisis protocols in place if a conversation takes a worrying turn, and independent auditors must be able to check whether the rules are being followed.

For Danish users, the law doesn't change anything directly here and now: it's US legislation. But many chatbots we use in Denmark are American, so the requirements may in practice spill over to the products globally.

If you're a parent or work with young people: there's nothing to act on right now, but it's worth following whether similar rules turn up in the EU or Denmark.

If you're a company using companion chatbots in customer contact: it may be a good idea to check now whether your vendor meets similar standards. It could become an advantage before it becomes a requirement.