A new piece of legislation known as the GUARD Act has been introduced in Congress, aiming to enhance the protection of minors interacting with AI chatbots. Sponsored by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the proposed bill mandates that AI chatbot providers verify the age of users and restrict access for those identified as minors. This initiative follows concerns about the potential risks these chatbots pose to young users due to their capacity to influence emotions and behavior.
The GUARD Act comes in the wake of a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing led by Hawley, where testimonies were presented from parents who reported troubling outcomes linked to their children's use of AI chatbots, including self-harm and suicide. The bill broadly defines “AI companions” to include any chatbot capable of simulating human-like interactions, which could apply to various providers in the industry.
To comply with the legislation, AI companies would need to implement rigorous age verification processes, moving beyond mere birthdate entry to include government-issued identification. The bill also criminalizes the design of chatbots that might encourage harmful behaviors among minors, such as self-injury or sexual misconduct, with fines reaching up to $100,000.
In a related development, California recently enacted legislation requiring similar safeguards for minors interacting with AI chatbots, set to take effect in January 2026. Additionally, companies like OpenAI are proactively developing systems to enhance user safety, including age-prediction mechanisms and parental controls.
The GUARD Act reflects a growing movement to address the implications of AI technology on youth, with advocacy groups praising the bill and suggesting further refinements to strengthen protections.