Bipartisan GUARD Act proposes age restrictions on AI chatbots

US lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have introduced a bill called the "GUARD Act," which is meant to protect minor users from AI chatbots. "In their race to the bottom, AI companies are pushing treacherous chatbots at kids and looking away when their products cause sexual abuse, or coerce them into self-harm or suicide," said the bill's co-sponsor, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn). "Our legislation imposes strict safeguards against exploitative or manipulative AI, backed by tough enforcement with criminal and civil penalties."

Under the GUARD Act, AI companies would be required to prohibit minors from being able to access their chatbots. That means they have to conduct age verification for both existing and new users with the help of a third-party system. They'll also have to conduct periodic age verifications on accounts t...