California legislator suggests a four-year prohibition on AI chatbots in children's toys

California Proposes Temporary Ban on AI-Enabled Toys for Children

California State Senator Steve Padilla has put forward a new bill that would halt the production and sale of toys featuring AI chatbot technology for anyone under 18 for the next four years. This pause aims to give regulatory agencies sufficient time to establish safety standards that shield children from potentially harmful AI interactions.

“While AI chatbots and similar technologies may soon become a routine part of daily life, the risks they currently present demand decisive measures to safeguard young people,” Senator Padilla stated. “Our current safety protocols for these technologies are just beginning to take shape and must evolve as rapidly as AI itself. By temporarily suspending the sale of toys with chatbot features, we can develop the necessary safety frameworks before these products become widespread.”

Background and Recent Developments

The proposed legislation, known as SB 287, follows a recent executive order from President Trump instructing federal agencies to challenge state-level AI regulations in court. However, the order specifically allows exceptions for state laws that address child safety. The bill also comes after a series of troubling incidents involving children and AI chatbots.

Concerns Over AI and Child Safety

Over the past year, several lawsuits have been filed by families whose children died by suicide after extended interactions with chatbots, prompting lawmakers to take action. Senator Padilla also helped draft California’s recently enacted SB 243, which mandates that chatbot providers implement protections for minors and vulnerable groups.

Incidents Involving AI Toys

Although AI-powered toys are not yet widespread, there have already been alarming reports. In November 2025, the PIRG Education Fund warned that toys like Kumma—a bear equipped with a chatbot—could easily be prompted to discuss topics such as matches, knives, and even sexual matters. NBC News also reported that Miiloo, an AI toy from Chinese manufacturer Miriat, sometimes indicated it was programmed to align with Chinese Communist Party principles.

Industry Response

OpenAI and Mattel, the company behind Barbie, had planned to launch an AI-powered toy in 2025, but postponed the release without explanation. It remains uncertain whether the product will debut in 2026.

“We cannot allow our children to become test subjects for the tech industry’s experiments,” Senator Padilla emphasized.

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