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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Business
Dani Anguiano

Gavin Newsom imposes strict new rules on AI, social media and chatbots for children

Gavin Newsom United States California
a man speaking at a podium
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at the Bay Area Discovery Museum on 10 September 2026 in Sausalito, California. Photograph: Jeff Chiu/AP

California has adopted what Gavin Newsom described as “nation-leading” legislation that bans addictive social media features for young users, regulates companion chatbots and implements new safeguards around AI.

The laws, signed by the Democratic California governor on Thursday, include AB 1709, which bars social media companies from using infinite scroll and autoplay for users under 16.

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