How a Bill Banning AI Companions for Kids Could Usher in Widespread ID Checks Online
Senator Josh Hawley's GUARD Act, which aims to ban AI companions for minors, has advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill requires identity verification for users of AI chatbots and prohibits minors from accessing many such platforms. Critics argue it could lead to widespread online ID checks and limit parental control over children's tech use.
- ▪Senator Josh Hawley introduced the GUARD Act to restrict minors' access to AI chatbots.
- ▪The bill mandates identity verification for all users of AI chatbot services.
- ▪Parents would not be allowed to opt out of the federal restrictions under the proposed law.
- ▪Critics, including Fight for the Future, describe the bill as a 'Trojan horse for universal online ID checks.'
- ▪The bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee but has not yet become law.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Artificial Intelligence How a Bill Banning AI Companions for Kids Could Usher in Widespread ID Checks Online Plus: Supreme Court pauses ban on mail-order abortion pills, TikTok's artistic merit, a defense of pickup artists, and more... Elizabeth Nolan Brown | 5.4.2026 11:51 AM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/05/Hawley-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="A child on a smart phone and an image of Senator Josh Hawley talking into a microphone" alt="A child on a smart phone and an image of Senator Josh Hawley talking into a microphone | Illustration:…
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