Big Tech Lobby Kills Critical Kids’ AI Safety Legislation
Assembly Bill 1064 would have implemented first-in-the-nation safeguards on AI companion chatbots
SAN FRANCISCO, October 13, 2025 — Following a relentless multimillion-dollar pressure campaign from the Big Tech lobby, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed what would have been the nation's strongest legislation to protect kids and teens from unsafe AI companion chatbots. Assembly Bill 1064, authored by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan and sponsored by Common Sense Media, would have required companies to ensure AI companion chatbots meet fundamental safety requirements before offering them to minors.
Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement:
"The veto of AB 1064 is deeply disappointing. This legislation is desperately needed to protect children and teens from dangerous — and even deadly — AI companion chatbots. Clearly, Governor Newsom was under tremendous pressure from the Big Tech Lobby to veto this landmark legislation. Along with the courageous parents who have lost children to unsafe AI, Common Sense Media and our allies will keep fighting until our children are protected from the AI companion chatbots that promote self-harm and other huge dangers to kids. It is genuinely sad that the big tech companies fought this legislation, which actually is in the best interest of their industry long-term.
"Common Sense Media and our parent and educator partners are in this battle for the long haul. Over the next year, we and millions of parents and other advocates who fought for this bill will be stronger and louder than ever to make sure that AI safety for kids and teens becomes the law of the land in our state and across the nation and globe. Our kids' well-being depends on it.
"The work on this has to start right now so that we do not lose any time. We will work on changes to strengthen the bill this Fall and hopefully get it through the legislature quickly in 2026. Common Sense Media is committed to seeing this through.
"While we did not get the outcome we had hoped for on AB 1064 during this legislative term, that does not change the fact that momentum is growing behind our national and global movement for a safer online world. California just enacted landmark online protections for kids and teens that were signed by Governor Newsom. We are deeply grateful to the countless parents, teens, and other advocates who made this progress possible, and we look forward to continuing to work with legislators and families over the next year on policies that will protect kids in our AI-powered world."
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach well over 150 million users worldwide, as well as 1.4 million educators and over 100,000 schools every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.