Congress advances GUARD Act to restrict minors' access to online AI tools

9 articles · Updated · EFF · Apr 28

A key vote on the GUARD Act is expected this week, potentially requiring age verification for all users of AI-powered online services.
The bill's broad definitions could block minors from using everyday tools like homework helpers and customer service chatbots, while forcing adults to undergo privacy-invasive ID checks.
Critics warn the measure may undermine parental guidance, limit access for those without government ID, and disproportionately burden smaller developers, while failing to target only genuinely harmful AI products.

Why does the GUARD Act exclude parents from decisions about their children's AI use?

Will forcing users to prove their age online mean the end of internet anonymity for everyone?

How can small tech startups survive the high costs of mandatory age verification?

Could blocking AI homework helpers for safety reasons actually hurt students' education?

With data breaches so common, are massive new ID databases truly secure?