Hajra Naz
Senator Steve Padilla (D-CA) introduced a bill on Monday that would ban the sale and manufacture of toys with AI chatbot capabilities for children under 18 for four years. The goal is to give safety regulators time to develop rules to protect kids from “dangerous AI interactions.”
Padilla said in a statement:
“Chatbots and other AI tools may become integral parts of our lives in the future, but the dangers they pose now require us to take bold action to protect our children.”
He added that current safety regulations are in their infancy and must evolve as AI capabilities grow. The pause in AI toys would allow lawmakers and regulators to craft appropriate safety guidelines for children’s products.
What SB 867 Aims to Do
The legislation, called SB 867, comes amid rising concerns about AI and children. It follows President Trump’s executive order challenging state AI laws, though child safety rules are explicitly exempt from federal challenges.
The bill also responds to several alarming incidents involving AI chatbots and children. Lawmakers aim to prevent harm while AI technology continues to develop.
Read More: Pew Study Reveals How Teens Use Social Media and AI Chatbots
Background: AI Risks for Children
Over the past year, families have filed lawsuits after children died by suicide following prolonged conversations with chatbots. These tragic cases have spurred lawmakers into action.
Padilla also co-authored SB 243, which requires chatbot operators to implement safeguards for children and vulnerable users.
While AI toys are not yet mainstream, troubling reports already exist:
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Kumma, a chatbot-enabled toy bear, could be prompted to talk about matches, knives, and sexual content.
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Miiloo, an AI toy made by Chinese company Miriat, reportedly sometimes reflected Chinese Communist Party values.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for regulation before AI toys become widespread.
Big Tech’s AI Toys on Hold
Companies like OpenAI and Mattel (maker of Barbie) planned to release AI-powered toys in 2025, but delayed them. Neither company has explained the delay or shared plans for 2026.
Padilla emphasized the importance of caution:
“Our children cannot be used as lab rats for Big Tech to experiment on.”
Read More: Study Raises Alarms on AI Chatbots Giving Suicide Advice
Why This Matters
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday products, lawmakers face the challenge of balancing innovation with safety. SB 867 represents a proactive approach: pausing risky AI toys while setting clear safety standards for the future.
The four-year ban would provide regulators and companies time to ensure AI in toys is safe, age-appropriate, and free from content that could harm children.
