New Tech Laws Take Effect in 2026

While the US Congress faced significant dysfunction throughout 2025, state legislatures were busy passing new regulations. These laws address a wide range of technology issues, including artificial intelligence, social media usage, and consumer rights regarding electronics repairs. A significant number of these regulations, along with rules passed in previous years, became active in 2026.

Effective January 1st, Americans gained new rights in specific states. Colorado residents now have the right to refunds for crypto ATM transactions and access to wide-ranging electronics repairs. Washington state also implemented similar wide-ranging electronics repair laws. Additionally, California introduced requirements for AI system transparency. Despite these new enactments, one high-profile law in Texas regarding App Store-based age verification faced a last-minute court reprieve, delaying its implementation.

The year 2025 was characterized by deep dysfunction within the US Congress. Despite the federal gridlock, state legislatures across the country took significant action. They passed a variety of laws designed to govern emerging technologies and consumer rights. These legislative efforts focused on critical areas such as artificial intelligence, social media regulations, and the right to repair electronics.

Many of these state-level initiatives, alongside rules established in previous years, are now taking effect. The implementation timeline spans the beginning of 2026 and the subsequent months. This wave of legislation represents a shift toward state-level governance in the absence of federal consensus on technology policy.

As of January 1st, consumers in Colorado and Washington have gained substantial new protections. Colorado has enacted laws providing residents with the right to refunds specifically for transactions made at crypto ATMs. This measure aims to protect consumers from potential fraud or errors in the rapidly growing cryptocurrency ATM market.

In addition to crypto regulations, Colorado and Washington have both implemented laws guaranteeing wide-ranging electronics repairs. These laws likely force manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation to independent repair shops and consumers, enhancing the right to repair for residents in both states.

California has taken a leading role in regulating the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Effective immediately, the state has enforced AI system transparency laws. These regulations require a degree of openness regarding how AI systems operate, likely aiming to prevent bias and ensure accountability in automated decision-making processes.

The implementation of these rules in such a major tech hub sets a precedent for how AI development and deployment might be regulated elsewhere. It places California at the forefront of the effort to manage the ethical and societal impacts of advanced technology.

Not all new laws faced immediate implementation. A Texas law mandating App Store-based age verification was set to be one of the most high-profile regulations of the new year. The rule would have required app storefronts to verify the ages of their users, a move intended to protect minors from accessing inappropriate content.

However, a last-minute court ruling intervened. This judicial decision offered a reprieve, delaying the enforcement of the Texas law. Consequently, the age verification requirement is currently on hold, leaving the future of the regulation uncertain while legal challenges are addressed.