2026-10-28 / Signal #7
New York just banned chatbots from pretending to be a kid’s friend
“New York made it illegal for the chatbot to say it’s your friend.”
The Story
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law that, for users under 18, blocks chatbots from pretending to be human, using flattery, asking unprompted emotional questions, or encouraging secret-keeping, plus bars on self-harm, drugs, eating disorders, and sexual content. Companies must age-gate with at least one option that isn’t only government ID. It takes effect in the coming months, in a pre-election push.
Why It Matters
The state just regulated imaginary friendship. Identity + law + internet culture, with a visual: a chatbot forced to wear a “I AM NOT A PERSON” badge.
Evidence
The Verge; Mashable; Bloomberg Government, Oct 28
Sources
Daily scan: 2026-10-28