Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves AI chatbot age verification
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed a bipartisan bill requiring AI companies to implement age verification for chatbot users and restrict minors' access to harmful content. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal, aims to prevent AI companions for minors and block exposure to sexually explicit material or self-harm encouragement. While the bill has cleared a key committee, it remains an early step toward potential federal regulation of AI chatbots.
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News Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves AI chatbot age verification By Anna Washenko April 30, 2026 1:43 pm EST Amy Sparwasser/Getty Images The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill aimed at requiring AI companies to limit chatbot use among minors. The proposed legislation would mandate age verification systems for chatbots as well as prohibiting AI companions for minors and blocking the services from showing younger users sexually explicit content or encouraging self-harm. The bill was co-sponsored by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Committee approval is just a preliminary step toward AI companies facing any real federal regulation on this subject.
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