Lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill that would ban AI companions for children and impose criminal penalties on companies that violate new safety standards.
The Guaranteeing Unalienable and Anatomical Rights for Dependents, or GUARD, Act was introduced by Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., alongside Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Katie Britt R-Ala., Mark Warner, D-Va., and Chris Murphy, D-Va., according to an Oct. 28 news release from Mr. Hawley’s office.
The bill would prohibit AI companies from offering chatbot companions to minors, require AI tools to disclose their non-human status and create criminal liability for developers whose products solicit or generate sexual content for underage users.
Lawmakers cited rising concerns over the mental health effects of AI bots that simulate human emotions. More than 70% of American children are using AI tools with some chatbots allegedly encouraging self-harm or suicide, according to the release. They said existing safeguards are insufficient and called for clear federal standards to prevent further abuse.
“AI chatbots pose a serious threat to our kids. … Chatbots develop relationships with kids using fake empathy and are encouraging suicide. We in Congress have a moral duty to enact bright-line rules to prevent further harm from this new technology,” Mr. Hawley said. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with tremendous support from parents and survivors that will ensure our kids are protected online.”
