State lawmakers in California have moved forward with legislation that would temporarily restrict chatbot-powered toys designed for children. The proposal introduces an AI toys ban lasting four years, targeting products that use conversational artificial intelligence to interact directly with minors.
Lawmakers backing the bill say companies have rushed AI chatbots into toys without fully understanding how constant, human-like responses affect young minds. They argue that children may form emotional attachments to AI-driven toys or receive misleading answers that parents cannot easily monitor. The bill aims to pause this trend while regulators study long-term behavioral and privacy impacts.
The Proposal Highlights Several Core Concerns:
- Continuous data collection from children during play
- Emotional manipulation through simulated companionship
- Limited safeguards around AI-generated responses
Under the AI toys ban, manufacturers could still sell interactive toys, but they must remove autonomous chatbot features aimed at kids. Lawmakers say this approach balances innovation with responsibility, allowing safer designs to reach the market.
Industry representatives warn that strict rules could slow product development, yet child safety advocates stress that protection must come before profits. By enforcing a temporary AI toys ban, lawmakers signal a broader push to regulate artificial intelligence where vulnerable users face the greatest risks.
Key Takeaways
- Four-year AI toys ban proposed
- Focus on privacy and emotional safety
- Applies to chatbot enabled children’s toys
