California Lawmaker Proposes a Four-Year Ban on AI Chatbots in Kids’ Toys

California Lawmaker Proposes a Four-Year Ban on AI Chatbots in Kids’ Toys

California Lawmaker Proposes Four-Year Ban on AI Chatbots in Kids’ Toys In a bold move to protect children from unpredictable AI interactions, California State Senator Steve Padilla has introduced legislation that would ban the sale and manufacture of toys equipped with AI chatbots for minors under 18. The bill, SB 867, calls for a four-year moratorium—giving federal and state regulators time to develop comprehensive safety standards. With AI-powered toys increasingly entering the market, concerned parents and advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to act before another child is harmed. Credit: Ying Tang/NurPhoto / Getty Images Why Now? A Growing Wave of Concern The timing of SB 867 is no coincidence. Over the past year, multiple lawsuits have emerged linking children’s tragic outcomes—including suicides—to prolonged interactions with unregulated chatbots. These incidents, often involving emotionally vulnerable minors, have galvanized state legislators into action. Senator Padilla, who prev…