‘As New York’s mom Governor, I’m taking action’: Kathy Hochul bans bots from cozying up to kids, cracks down on baby monitors

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed two bills aimed at technology used in and around children’s lives. The measures focus on artificial intelligence chatbots found on phones and internet-connected baby monitors used in children’s bedrooms.

Two types of technology in focus

The action places AI chatbots and connected monitoring devices at the center of a new state policy response. One bill addresses bots that can interact directly with children through phones. The other concerns baby monitors that connect to the internet and operate inside the home.

The move reflects the presence of both technologies in settings closely tied to children and families. Chatbots can be accessed through personal devices, while connected monitors are used to watch over babies and young children.

Details of the legislation

The announcement identifies the bills’ broad targets but does not provide their names, implementation dates or detailed requirements. It also does not specify how the measures will be enforced or what penalties may apply.

Hochul’s signing nevertheless makes the legislation significant for households using either technology. Families, technology providers and companies involved with connected monitoring devices will be affected by the state’s decision to address these products through new laws.

Further details will be needed to assess the bills’ full impact. For now, the action establishes New York’s focus on AI chatbots and internet-connected baby monitors as technologies requiring greater attention when children are involved.