The Guard Act Isn't Targeting Dangerous AI–It's Blocking Everyday Internet Use
The GUARD Act is a proposed bill in Congress aimed at restricting minors' access to online tools, including AI-powered services. While it seeks to address concerns about harmful interactions with AI, its broad definitions could lead to significant limitations on everyday internet use for all users. Critics argue that the bill's age-verification requirements could undermine privacy and restrict access to essential online resources.
- ▪The GUARD Act requires age verification for all users, potentially blocking anyone under 18 from accessing various online tools.
- ▪The bill's definitions of 'AI chatbot' and 'AI companion' are broad, encompassing many everyday services.
- ▪Critics warn that the bill could lead to companies blocking minors entirely to avoid liability, limiting access to essential online interactions.
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Español Lawmakers in Congress are moving quickly on the GUARD Act, an age-gating bill restricting minors’ access to a wide range of online tools, with a key vote expected this week. The proposal is framed as a response to alarming cases involving “AI companions” and vulnerable young users. But the text of the bill goes much further, and could require age gates even for search engines that use AI. TAKE ACTION Tell Congress: oppose the guard act If enacted, the GUARD Act won’t just target a narrow category of risky chatbots. It would require companies to verify the age of every user — then block anyone under 18 from interacting with a huge range of online systems. It would block minors from everyday online tools, undermine parental guidance, and force adults to sacrifice their privacy.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Electronic Frontier Foundation.
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