Governor Hochul has announced that New York State has put into effect a landmark law regulating “AI companion” systems, apps or bots designed to simulate human-like relationships with users.
What the law covers
The law is part of the FY26 budget and is codified under General Business Law Article 47. It took effect on November 5, 2025. It targets “AI companion” products, those systems that: simulate a human-friend or romantic partner role remember past interactions, ask questions, adapt to the user engage users for long sessions
Key obligations for AI companion providers
They must detect signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts expressed by a user, and have a protocol to direct that user to a crisis support service. They must notify users that they are interacting with an AI (not a human) at the start of use and then at least every three hours if the chat continues. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement by the State Attorney General, and any fines will help fund suicide-prevention programs in New York.
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