California is moving to halt the proliferation of artificial intelligence in children's products. State Senator Steve Padilla (D-CA) has introduced a landmark bill, SB 287, proposing a four-year moratorium on the sale and manufacture of toys featuring AI chatbot capabilities for individuals under 18. This legislative effort aims to provide crucial time for safety regulators to develop robust guidelines, safeguarding children from potentially harmful AI interactions.
“Our children cannot be used as lab rats for Big Tech to experiment on,” Senator Padilla stated emphatically. He emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures, noting, “Chatbots and other AI tools may become integral parts of our lives in the future, but the dangers they pose now require us to take bold action to protect our children.”
Padilla highlighted that current safety regulations for this technology are in their infancy and must evolve at the same rapid pace as AI capabilities. A pause in the market for these AI-integrated toys, he argues, will allow lawmakers to craft appropriate safety frameworks for these products to follow.
The introduction of SB 287 comes amidst a broader national conversation on AI regulation and follows several concerning incidents involving AI, chatbots, and minors. Notably, the bill surfaces after lawsuits filed by families whose children tragically died by suicide following prolonged conversations with chatbots, prompting lawmakers nationwide to act. Senator Padilla himself recently co-authored California's SB 243, a bill that mandates chatbot operators implement safeguards for children and vulnerable users.
While AI-powered toys are not yet widespread, early reports have already highlighted troubling interactions. In November 2025, the consumer advocacy group PIRG Education Fund warned about toys like "Kumma," a chatbot-equipped bear that could be easily prompted to discuss sensitive topics such as matches, knives, and sexual content. Separately, NBC News reported that "Miiloo," an AI toy from Chinese company Miriat, at times indicated it was programmed to reflect Chinese Communist Party values.
Even major tech and toy companies are treading carefully. OpenAI and Barbie-maker Mattel had planned to release an “AI-powered product” in 2025 but subsequently delayed its launch. Neither company provided an explanation for the delay, and it remains unclear if they intend to release the toy in 2026.
The proposed ban also navigates the complexities of federal oversight. While President Trump’s recent executive order directed federal agencies to challenge state AI laws, it explicitly included exceptions for state legislation related to child safety, potentially clearing a path for California’s initiative.
Senator Padilla’s bill underscores a growing legislative push to prioritize child protection in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
