(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Advocacy by the New York State Teachers (NYSUT) Union continues to put children’s safety and well-being ahead of Tech Company profits.

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation establishing new safeguards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Companion Chatbots - legislation the Union actively lobbied for as part of its broader effort to protect children in an increasingly digital world.

The new law addresses growing concerns about AI Chatbots that can expose children to inappropriate content, encourage dangerous behaviors and foster unhealthy emotional attachments.

Unlike traditional search engines or educational tools, AI Companion Chatbots are designed to simulate human relationships.

Some engage children in deeply personal conversations, raising serious concerns about their mental health, safety and emotional development.

The legislation establishes important safeguards and places greater responsibility on Technology Companies to protect young users.

Recognizing the Governor’s continued leadership in protecting children from harmful technology, NYSUT President Melinda Person released the following statement: “Governor Hochul continues to lead the way in protecting our kids from harmful technology. From creating distraction-free schools to taking on addictive social media algorithms, she has listened to parents and Educators and taken bold action to put kids first. Now, she’s confronting the risks posed by AI Chatbots. Our kids deserve the chance to learn, grow and build real human connections without technology getting in the way. I applaud Governor Hochul for continuing to stand up to Big Tech and putting the well-being of our children first.”

Read more about the law here.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Another win for kids: AI chatbot protections signed into law