The Emerging AI Policy Consensus
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced the GUARD Act to protect minors from AI-related harms, particularly in light of recent lawsuits involving AI chatbots. This bipartisan bill aims to establish age-gating for AI companions and reflects a growing consensus on the need for regulation. The legislation builds on existing state laws while addressing gaps in protections for children online.
- ▪The GUARD Act was co-sponsored by Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal.
- ▪Between 2023 and 2025, eight states enacted laws governing AI chatbots, focusing on safety for minors.
- ▪Current federal law requires companies to have actual knowledge of a user's age to be held liable for violations.
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The Emerging AI Policy Consensus Jared Hayden May 20, 2026 Share Share via X Share via Facebook Share via email Copy link May 20, 2026 Share Share via X Share via Facebook Share via email Copy link In the wake of several high-profile lawsuits related to teen suicides allegedly encouraged by AI chatbots, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced a bill earlier this month to protect kids from AI-related harms. The GUARD Act, co-sponsored by Sens. Josh Hawley (R.-Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (D.-Conn.), seeks to safeguard minors by age-gating AI companions designed to simulate human relationships.
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