California lawmaker proposes a four-year ban on AI chatbots in kid’s toys

On Monday, California Senator Steve Padilla (D-CA) unveiled a proposed bill aimed at imposing a four-year prohibition on the manufacturing and sale of toys equipped with AI chatbot functionalities for children under the age of 18. This legislative move seeks to provide safety regulators with the necessary time to establish guidelines that will safeguard children from potentially harmful interactions with artificial intelligence. In his statement, Senator Padilla emphasized the duality of AI’s future role in society and its present dangers, asserting, "While chatbots and AI tools may become vital to our daily lives, the risks they currently pose demand decisive action to ensure our children's safety. Our regulations concerning this technology are still in their early stages and must evolve alongside its rapid advancements. By halting the distribution of these AI-integrated toys, we can develop robust safety protocols that these products must adhere to." The proposed legislation, identified as SB 287, emerges amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on AI technologies following President Trump’s recent executive order that empowers federal agencies to contest state-level AI regulations in court. Notably, this order makes exceptions for state laws focused on child safety. The urgency of Padilla's proposal is underscored by several distressing incidents involving AI chatbots and youth. Over the past year, lawsuits have been initiated by families whose children tragically took their own lives after engaging with chatbots. In response, lawmakers have begun to take more significant steps. Padilla previously collaborated on California’s SB 243, which mandates that chatbot operators implement protective measures for children and vulnerable individuals. Although AI chatbots in toys are not yet prevalent, instances of inappropriate interactions have raised alarms. For example, the consumer advocacy group PIRG Education Fund warned that toys like Kumma, a teddy bear with an integrated chatbot, could be manipulated to discuss dangerous topics. Additionally, a report by NBC News highlighted that Miiloo, a child-focused AI toy from the Chinese company Miriat, sometimes reflected the values of the Chinese Communist Party. OpenAI and Mattel, the company behind Barbie, had planned to launch an AI-powered toy in 2025, but the release has since been postponed, with no explanation provided for the delay. It remains uncertain whether this product will debut in 2026. "Our children must not be treated as test subjects for Big Tech's experiments," Padilla concluded passionately.