California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have restricted minors' access to AI chatbots. The bill aimed to prevent chatbots from engaging in sexual conversations or encouraging self-harm with users under 18. Newsom expressed concern that the broad restrictions could lead to a complete ban on these tools for minors. He did, however, sign a separate law requiring platforms to notify users when interacting with a chatbot and not a human. Companies must also implement protocols to prevent self-harm content and provide crisis resources. The veto faced criticism from advocates concerned about protecting children from potentially dangerous AI interactions. The tech industry argued the bill was overly restrictive, potentially hindering innovation and useful applications for children. This legislation was part of a wider effort by California to address concerns about AI chatbots’ potential risks. These risks include instances of chatbots engaging in inappropriate conversations or providing harmful advice. Tech companies lobbied against these measures and announced plans for pro-AI political action committees. The signed notification law, while praised by OpenAI, drew concerns from some that it did not provide sufficient protections. Multiple reports and lawsuits have highlighted the risks associated with children using AI chatbots for emotional support.