California becomes first state to pass AI and social media safety laws

California has become the first state in the U.S. to pass comprehensive online safety laws targeting the risks of social media, AI, and digital platforms. Governor Gavin Newsom signed more than 10 bills, including SB 243 by Sen. Steve Padilla (D–San Diego), which regulates AI chatbots and mandates safeguards when users face potential harm, and SB 50 by Sen. Angelique Ashby (D–Sacramento), which requires tech companies to cut off abusers’ access to shared digital accounts within two days. Law enforcement officials say the measures will help protect children and vulnerable users as technology evolves faster than regulation.