Statement on New Legislation in California to Protect Kids from Unsafe AI Chatbots

SAN FRANCISCO, March 26, 2026—Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement on new proposed legislation in California to protect children from unsafe AI chatbots:

"Millions of kids are using AI companion chatbots with no safety standards, no accountability, and no recourse when something goes wrong.

"Assemblymembers Bauer-Kahan and Wicks and Senator Padilla are doing what the industry has refused to do: putting real limits on manipulation, protecting kids' data, and creating accountability when things go wrong.

"Common Sense Media's research has documented these harms directly. AI systems steering vulnerable users toward self-harm. Platforms designed to foster emotional dependency in children. This legislation treats those findings as the emergency they are.

"This bill sets a baseline of responsibility. We support it and will work to get it across the finish line."

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.