GUARD Act

IntroducedOctober 28, 2025

In Senate2 months ago

Intro

Senate

House

Pres

Awaiting House vote

Crime and Law EnforcementAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresState and local government operationsComputers and information technologyChild safety and welfareSex offensesInternet, web applications, social mediaCriminal procedure and sentencingAdvanced technology and technological innovationsCivil actions and liabilityDepartment of JusticePornographyData collection, sharing, protection

Why This Matters

This bill, known as the Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue Act of 2025 or GUARD Act, would require online artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to verify user ages and to disclose they are not human or licensed professionals. It would block minors from certain AI companions and impose fines for violations.

Who this affects

Online platforms · AI chatbot companies · Minors · Federal and state attorneys general

What changes is this bill making?

1Covered entities must require each user to create an account and verify age using reliable methods such as government-issued identification.
2Existing chatbot accounts are frozen until age is verified; new accounts must verify age before use and undergo periodic rechecks.
3Chatbots must clearly state at the start of each conversation and at 30-minute intervals that they are AI and not a human or licensed professional.
4If a user is under 18, the service must block access to AI companions designed for emotional or interpersonal interaction.
5It is illegal to offer AI chatbots that knowingly solicit minors for sexual content or that promote self-harm or violence; violations carry fines up to $100,000 per offense.
6The U.S. Attorney General may bring civil actions to enforce the law, seek injunctions, and impose civil penalties; state attorneys general may also sue on behalf of residents.
7The act takes effect 180 days after enactment.

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GUARD Act

IntroducedOctober 28, 2025

In Senate2 months ago

Intro

Senate

House

Pres

Awaiting House vote

Why This Matters

Who this affects

Online platforms · AI chatbot companies · Minors · Federal and state attorneys general

What changes is this bill making?

1Covered entities must require each user to create an account and verify age using reliable methods such as government-issued identification.
2Existing chatbot accounts are frozen until age is verified; new accounts must verify age before use and undergo periodic rechecks.
3Chatbots must clearly state at the start of each conversation and at 30-minute intervals that they are AI and not a human or licensed professional.
4If a user is under 18, the service must block access to AI companions designed for emotional or interpersonal interaction.
5It is illegal to offer AI chatbots that knowingly solicit minors for sexual content or that promote self-harm or violence; violations carry fines up to $100,000 per offense.
6The U.S. Attorney General may bring civil actions to enforce the law, seek injunctions, and impose civil penalties; state attorneys general may also sue on behalf of residents.
7The act takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Read full document