Article Summary

California has passed strict new laws banning social media features that are considered addictive for kids under 16 and outlawing AI-powered toys, following the suicide of a teen who reportedly interacted with ChatGPT about suicidal thoughts. The laws are framed as protecting children from tech companies' exploitative designs, with emotional testimony and expert warnings used to justify government action. Critics argue the rules could harm privacy and free speech, but the state sees them as necessary to protect youth mental health.