California Enacts New Laws to Bolster Online Protections for Minors

San Diego, CA, September 13, 2026 —

California has introduced a slate of new legislation aimed at enhancing the online safety and well-being of minors. The laws target specific features of social media platforms and introduce new regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.

Key provisions of the new laws focus on restricting what are described as “addictive” social media features for users under the age of 16. While the exact technical specifications of these restrictions were not detailed in the provided summary, the intent is to mitigate potential harms associated with excessive or problematic usage patterns among younger individuals.

In addition to social media regulations, the legislation also addresses the growing use of AI chatbots. New rules are being implemented for these conversational AI systems, which are common interfaces for information, entertainment, and interaction online. The regulations for AI chatbots include the introduction of mandatory time limits for young users and the implementation of specific safety measures designed to protect minors interacting with these technologies.

The specific effective dates for these new laws and the particular state agencies responsible for enforcement were not detailed in the summary. Furthermore, the summary did not specify any penalties for non-compliance by platforms or developers. The measures represent a significant step by California to address the evolving challenges of digital life for children and adolescents.

Story summarized from the original created by Colin Lecher • CalMatters on timesofsandiego.com, see more information here.

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