California Advances Comprehensive Youth AI Safety Act With Age Verification and Advertising Restrictions

Jan 15, 2026
Common Sense Media
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Summary

California moves forward with groundbreaking youth AI safety legislation that requires age verification, bans child-targeted advertising, prohibits AI systems from forming emotional or romantic relationships with minors, and mandates independent safety audits with enforcement penalties.

Key Points

  • Common Sense Media and OpenAI announce joint support for the Parents & Kids Safe AI Act, consolidating two competing ballot initiatives into California's most comprehensive youth AI safety measure
  • The act requires age verification technology, prohibits child-targeted advertising, prevents AI systems from creating emotional dependency or simulated romantic relationships with minors, and mandates parental controls
  • The legislation establishes mandatory independent safety audits, annual risk assessments, and enforcement through California's attorney general with financial penalties for non-compliance

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