NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills to protect New York’s kids from the growing risks of artificial intelligence chatbots and internet-connected baby monitors in their homes, nurseries and playrooms.
Together these laws build on the Governor’s efforts to make New York a national leader in keeping kids safe online and protecting New Yorkers from the threats of new technology and artificial intelligence.
“As artificial intelligence advances at a rapid pace, there have been too many tragic incidents that should have been prevented, and as New York’s mom Governor, I’m taking action,” Governor Hochul said.
“No company should be peddling chatbots to kids encouraging self-harm or pretending to be their friend or more. And no new parent should have to worry that predatory hackers are spying on their new family through their baby monitors. New York is sending a clear message: if you want to do business in our state, you need to put the safety of our kids first.”
“I was proud to work with Governor Hochul, Senator Gonzalez, Assemblymember Bores, and Common Sense Media to protect our children from the potential harms of AI chatbots. We have seen too many horror stories of chatbots hurting the health of our children, and this new law sets clear legal parameters to prevent that harm and keep kids safe. My office will continue working with partners at all levels of government to address the threats posed by this technology, while also clearing the way for safe, responsible innovation. New York’s eye is on the ball—and we will not hesitate to defend New Yorkers with the full force of the law,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
S.9508/A.5175A requires internet-connected baby monitors sold in New York to include security features that block strangers from watching or listening in, along with a clear warning label.
“Baby monitors are meant to help parents keep an eye on their newborn, not to let prying eyes into our homes. These new technologies can be helpful, but they pose real cybersecurity risks. My bill mandates privacy features that prevent strangers from seeing or hearing what’s happening in a child’s room, and ensures devices have clear warning labels so families know how those features work. That way, parents can sleep soundly knowing they and their kids are safe. Thanks to Governor Hochul for her partnership on this effort,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes.
