The GUARD Act, sponsored by several U.S. senators, purportedly aims to protect children by imposing mandatory age verification for AI chatbots, banning minors from their use, and establishing severe penalties for promoting harmful content. However, this legislation could create a strict surveillance regime, impacting all AI interactions— from customer support to educational tools—effectively denying teenagers access to essential online resources. Critics argue that the bill lacks parental consent measures and an appeal process, posing significant risks to privacy and free expression. The vague definitions of “AI chatbot” and “AI companion” could lead to widespread censorship, disproportionately affecting vulnerable users and forcing companies to prioritize compliance over innovation. The enforcement of ID checks could stifle smaller developers, concentrating power in larger tech firms and jeopardizing user anonymity. Advocates urge Congress to reject the GUARD Act in favor of more balanced approaches that ensure privacy and access to AI tools for all, especially young people.
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