California Panel Warns: Kids and AI Bots Don’t Mix

Toy or Threat? California Sounds the Alarm

A high-level California commission has released a bold recommendation: children should be protected from interacting with AI companion bots—by law. The state’s Little Hoover Commission, an independent watchdog agency, warned that AI-powered bots like Replika pose developmental and privacy risks to minors. The panel emphasized the need for urgent regulation as these digital companions grow more lifelike and emotionally engaging. Their conclusion? AI companions shouldn’t be toys for kids—period.

From Siri to Sentience: The Growing Influence of AI

The commission’s report paints a stark picture of increasingly advanced AI systems capable of mimicking human emotions and forming relationships. For children, this could blur the line between reality and artificiality, affecting emotional growth and social learning. The panel also raised alarms about potential data exploitation and recommended that companies be required to disclose AI usage clearly. They underscored the lack of current safeguards in both federal and state laws.

California as a National AI Trailblazer

If lawmakers heed the commission’s advice, California could become the first state to impose restrictions on AI bots marketed to youth. The panel suggests that developers of these bots undergo rigorous safety reviews similar to those required for children’s toys or educational software. This reflects a growing belief that AI systems need to be treated not just as tech, but as products with real psychological risks. Legislators are expected to consider the proposal in the upcoming session.