Key Points
- Senators introduce the GUARD Act to restrict AI companion bots for minors.
- The bill proposes age‑verification and data‑collection limits.
- Child‑safety groups praise the legislation as part of a national protective movement.
- The Chamber of Progress criticizes the proposal as overly restrictive.
- Advocates cite California’s new law on chatbot response to suicidal ideation as a positive precedent.
- Lawmakers view the bill as one element of broader AI industry oversight.
- Stakeholder feedback is expected to shape the final legislation.
Background
Amid growing concerns about the influence of artificial‑intelligence chatbots on youth, U.S. senators have introduced legislation focused on protecting minors from potential harms. The measure, referred to as the GUARD Act, intends to curb the deployment of companion AI bots to children by mandating age‑verification protocols and limiting the collection of personal data.
Legislative Action
Senators have highlighted that the bill aims to balance safety with privacy. During a press conference, they noted that the legislation could evolve as stakeholders provide feedback. The senators also stressed that this effort is one of several initiatives aimed at increasing oversight of AI companies.
Industry Response
The tech sector, represented by the Chamber of Progress—a trade group for major technology firms—has voiced opposition, describing the proposal as a “heavy‑handed approach” to child safety. Chamber spokesperson K.J. Bagchi argued that while protecting children is a shared goal, the solution should focus on transparency, design safeguards, and reporting mechanisms rather than outright bans.
Child Safety Advocacy
Organizations dedicated to online safety for young people, including the Young People’s Alliance, the Tech Justice Law Project, and the Institute for Families and Technology, welcomed the senators’ announcement. They framed the GUARD Act as a step within a larger national movement to shield children and teens from the dangers posed by AI chatbots.
Advocates also referenced recent state-level actions, noting California’s passage of a law requiring companies to intervene when users express suicidal thoughts to chatbots. This development was praised by parents and advocates as a critical safeguard.
Future Outlook
Lawmakers plan to continue advancing the GUARD Act alongside other measures targeting AI firms. The senators indicated that ongoing dialogue with industry and advocacy groups will shape the final form of the legislation. The overarching aim is to create a framework that protects minors while addressing privacy concerns raised by extensive data collection for age verification.
Source: arstechnica.com