A new legislative proposal, known as the GUARD Act, has been introduced by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) aimed at regulating the interaction of minors with AI chatbots. If passed, the bill would require AI companies to verify the ages of users, effectively banning individuals under 18 from accessing these chatbots. This initiative follows recent concerns raised by safety advocates and parents during a Senate hearing regarding the potential impact of AI chatbots on children.
Under the proposed legislation, AI companies would be mandated to implement age verification processes. These measures might involve users uploading government identification or utilizing other acceptable methods, such as facial recognition technology. Additionally, AI chatbots would need to notify users that they are not human at 30-minute intervals and include safeguards to prevent any misrepresentation as a person.
The GUARD Act also seeks to prohibit AI chatbots from generating sexual content for minors or promoting self-harm, aligning with similar regulations enacted in California. The bill emphasizes strict safeguards against manipulative AI practices, backed by enforcement measures that could include both criminal and civil penalties.
In a statement regarding the legislation, Sen. Blumenthal highlighted concerns about the responsibilities of tech companies, suggesting that past actions have eroded public trust in their commitment to child safety. The implications of this bill raise questions about privacy, the feasibility of age verification technologies, and the broader responsibilities of AI companies in ensuring a safe online environment for younger users.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/808589/senators-ai-chatbot-bill-age-verification-teen-ban