Common Sense Media Praises Passage of Bill to Protect New York Kids from Unsafe AI Chatbots
NEW YORK, June 5, 2026—Common Sense Media has been working for more than a year to pass a landmark bill in New York to protect kids from unsafe AI chatbots. Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement after the legislature approved the bill:
"Common Sense Media loudly applauds New York lawmakers for passing nation-leading legislation to protect kids and teens from chatbots that can quickly turn from being a homework helper to a sexualized relationship or even a suicide coach. It's time to stop tech companies from using our children as guinea pigs.
"We have worked hard all year long with lawmakers, the state's attorney general, and with parents from across New York to get this done. This is a huge victory for kids and families and a model for other states to follow. We encourage Gov. Kathy Hochul, one of the strongest governors in the nation for kids' online safety, to sign this bill into law.
"We based our work on this bill on our rigorous research on teens' use of chatbots, and on our near-daily engagement with lawmakers and their staff, including two lobby days in Albany where we brought dozens of parents, partner groups, and statewide organizations together to make the case that kids in New York need this protection now.
"We particularly thank the bill's authors, Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymember Alex Bores, for championing this measure, and Attorney General Letitia James, for being such a strong proponent for it. We also thank Maria Raine for speaking out after her son Adam was coached to suicide by a chatbot. More than anyone, though, we thank the thousands of New York parents who took the time to call, email, and even visit Albany in person to protect their kids."
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org