A new bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., would bar minors (under 18) from interacting with certain AI chatbots. It taps into growing alarm about children using "AI companions" and the risks these systems may pose.
Here are some of the key features of the proposed Guard Act:
- AI companies would be required to verify user age with "reasonable age-verification measures" (for example, a government ID) rather than simply asking for a birthdate.
- If a user is found to be under 18, a company must prohibit them from accessing an "AI companion."
- The bill also mandates that chatbots clearly disclose they are not human and do not hold professional credentials (therapy, medical, legal) in every conversation.
- It creates new criminal and civil penalties for companies that knowingly provide chatbots to minors that solicit or facilitate sexual content, self-harm or violence.
