CA AADC
California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act
Would require child-focused risk assessments (DPIA-style), safer defaults, and limits on harmful design patterns. Currently blocked on First Amendment grounds.
Jurisdiction
California
Enacted
Sep 15, 2022
Effective
TBD
Enforcement
California Attorney General (if not enjoined)
Enjoined since September 2023. Full injunction granted March 13, 2025. Ninth Circuit appeal hearing January 14, 2026.
CA LegislatureWhy It Matters
Shows constitutional limits on US content-related regulation. UK equivalent (Age Appropriate Design Code) is enforceable; US version blocked.
Recent Developments
Third NetChoice win on preliminary injunction (March 2025). Ninth Circuit heard oral arguments January 14, 2026. Court found DPIA requirements likely violate First Amendment as content-based regulation failing strict scrutiny. Decision pending.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- Online services likely to be accessed by children
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Data Protection Impact Assessments for child-likely services
- Privacy by default for children
- Restrictions on harmful design patterns
- Age assurance requirements
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
$8K/violation
View on map
California
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
California. (2022). California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act.
Related Regulations
CA AB 489
Prohibits AI systems from using terms, letters, or phrases that falsely indicate or imply possession of a healthcare professional license.
CA SB 867
Proposes a 4-year moratorium on the sale and manufacturing of toys with AI chatbot capabilities for children under 12. During the moratorium, a task force would develop safety standards with input from technologists, parents, and ethicists.
VT AADC
Vermont design code structured to be more litigation-resistant: focuses on data processing harms rather than content-based restrictions. AG rulemaking authority begins July 2025.
IA SF 2417
Establishes requirements and guidelines for conversational AI services including AI disclosure to minors, prohibition on sexually explicit content for minors, prevention of deceptive human-like interactions, and parental controls for children under 13.
CO HB 1263
Imposes obligations on conversational AI service operators including minor-user protections, suicide and self-harm protocols, prohibition on emotional dependence and engagement gamification, and annual safeguard reporting.
ID Conversational AI Safety
Establishes safety requirements for public-facing conversational AI, including crisis service referrals for suicidal ideation, AI disclosure obligations, and enhanced protections for minors including anti-gamification and content safeguards.
Last updated February 11, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.