California’s Democratic-controlled Legislature recently approved numerous bills as their session concluded, targeting AI usage and social media restrictions. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has until the month’s end to decide which bills to sign into law, potentially shaping his outlook for a 2028 presidential campaign.
Among the 26 bills passed concerning AI and social media, several aim to reduce addictive features tech companies offer, with experts cautioning against their effects. One significant bill forbids social media platforms from providing ‘addictive features’ like autoplaying videos to underage users. Another bill strengthens existing chatbot restrictions for minors, introducing landmark age verification requirements and rules regarding ads for minors. Moreover, these bills make social media platforms and AI chatbots liable for financial damages if they don’t adequately protect minors.
Experts believe California’s legal framework could become the most comprehensive in the country for safeguarding minors using AI chatbots and social media. State Senator Steve Padilla emphasized the state’s efforts to fill the regulatory gap left by Washington, D.C., stating that California’s AI regulations could serve as a national model for creating a safe online environment for children.
AI Usage Regulations
In the realm of AI, the Legislature passed several significant bills. One mandates all instructors in the California State University system to be human rather than AI bots, although AI can still be incorporated into educational offerings. Another bill prohibits employers from using AI surveillance products to gather neural data for determining workers’ emotional states. Additionally, another bill prevents retailers from utilizing specific dynamic pricing practices, referred to as ‘surveillance pricing’ in the legislation.
Several bills focus on AI’s role in the healthcare sector. One requires therapy and psychotherapy services to be offered exclusively by licensed professionals, banning chatbot-based therapy services. Another clarifies medical confidentiality laws concerning AI and healthcare providers.
Governor Newsom’s Stance
Governor Newsom, who has traditionally aligned with the tech industry, has recently adopted a more populist stance on AI. However, Newsom has remained silent on his specific response to the bills. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly contacted Newsom over concerns about certain AI-related measures in the newly passed bills. Newsom’s governance has previously favored the tech industry, thanks to substantial tax revenue and campaign contributions from Silicon Valley.
Newsom has initiated measures to reinforce AI regulation amid his anticipated presidential run. He previously issued an executive order for state agencies to collaborate with various sector groups to address AI impacts on California’s workforce.
Earlier this year, Newsom signed lesser-known AI-related bills: one ensuring services from elementary and secondary schools originate from ‘natural persons,’ not bots, and another requiring vehicles with location-tracking services to explicitly state such activation.
Other Notable Legislation
In addition to AI and social media restrictions, California lawmakers approved bills affecting law enforcement and the Trump administration. One bill bans law enforcement officials from using electric shock gloves and prohibits agencies from purchasing them, mandating a study on their impact by 2029. This move counters a recent ICE plan to acquire these gloves for Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations officers.
Another bill aims to facilitate the state’s parole program for elderly inmates, while another expands the list of state agencies whose officers are barred from wearing masks.