Hochul Unveils Legislative Package to Safeguard Children Online

Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, has proposed a new set of bills aimed at enhancing protections for children against online predators, scams, and the potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence chatbots. This initiative was announced on Monday as part of her priorities for the 2026 State of the State address.

The legislative package builds upon existing laws championed by state Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic. In her statement, Hochul emphasized the importance of child safety, stating, “As New York’s first mom governor, the well-being and safety of our children has always been one of my top priorities. Today, we are continuing to break new ground to give our kids the tools and safeguards they need to contend with the unprecedented mental health challenges and real-world dangers that can sometimes be a byproduct of navigating today’s digital world.”

This new package aims to establish a leading standard for child safety in both online and offline environments. Hochul noted that these proposals are designed to create an environment where children can safely explore digital spaces.

The governor’s focus on internet technology and child safety has been evident in her recent legislative efforts. One significant measure is the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, which prohibits social media companies from presenting algorithmically personalized feeds to users under the age of 18 without parental consent. Additionally, a ban on cellphones in schools, which was implemented in September 2023, reinforces the state’s commitment to reducing distractions and enhancing student safety in educational settings.

Hochul is expected to detail these proposals further during her annual State of the State address, which will take place in Albany next Tuesday. Her administration continues to prioritize the integration of technology with child well-being, aiming to address the complex challenges posed by the digital age.

Through this legislative initiative, New York is positioning itself as a leader in safeguarding children in an increasingly digital world, reflecting a broader commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its younger population.