— The California State Assembly yesterday gave its approval to Assembly Bill 1064, which would ban AI companions for minors and set up important privacy guardrails for AI systems that impact kids. The bill is sponsored by Common Sense Media and authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.

In response to the bill's passage in the Assembly, Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued this statement:

"The Assembly's support for AB 1064 is a major step toward much-needed safeguards on kids' AI use. We thank Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan for her leadership on this bill, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks for her joint authorship, and the Assembly at large for its resounding support. We also remain grateful for the broad coalition of advocates who work every day to build a safer digital future for all children.

"With 7 in 10 teens already using AI, we must ensure our laws are as sophisticated as this quickly evolving technology. That means protecting kids from the riskiest AI products — including social AI companions — and establishing baseline privacy protections for other AI tools before we put them in front of kids. AB 1064 would do exactly that. As some lawmakers in Washington are trying to pass an irresponsible and indefensible ban on state AI laws, California must seize this moment to lead.

"We look forward to support from the state senate and Gov. Newsom on this bill and ushering in a new era of online safety for all kids, teens and families."

More information on AB 1064 can be found here. The bill will be considered next by the State Senate Judiciary Committee.

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.