# New York enacts chatbot restrictions for minors and age verification requirements

_Published Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 6:08 AM EDT · Policy, AI · Latest · Tier 1 — Major_

![New York enacts chatbot restrictions for minors and age verification requirements — Primary](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06gfs2mM5HF3ntiTJHN3OfN/hero-image.fill.size_1200x675.v1793138099.jpg)

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law Wednesday restricting chatbot features for users under 18, including pretending to be human, expressing human emotions and offering flattering responses. Once effective, the law will also prohibit advice promoting self-harm, eating disorders or drug and alcohol use, along with sexually explicit conversations with minors.

Covered companies must verify users' ages and offer multiple verification methods, including an option that does not rely solely on government identification. Violations can bring civil penalties of up to $25,000 per instance. The law also establishes a public website for complaints against chatbot companies.

## Sources

- [Mashable](https://mashable.com/tech/ai-chatbot-law-new-york-hochul-signs-bill)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/oHdN_9kN86xqQi1X1fIlVZ
Published: 2026-10-28T10:08:26.895Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-28T10:00:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-28T12:53:03.451Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)