The Guard Act Isn't Targeting Dangerous AI–It's Blocking Everyday Internet Use
7 hours ago
- #Online Regulation
- #AI Companions
- #Age Verification
- Congress is advancing the GUARD Act, an age-gating bill that restricts minors' access to a wide range of online tools, with a key vote expected soon.
- The bill requires companies to verify the age of every user, blocking those under 18 from many online systems, potentially including AI-powered tools like search engines and chatbots.
- Definitions in the bill are broad, covering any AI chatbot generating non-pre-written responses and 'AI companions' facilitating interpersonal interaction, affecting everyday tools like homework helpers and customer service.
- Age verification must go beyond simple checks, possibly requiring government IDs or third-party systems, creating privacy risks and barriers for users without valid IDs.
- Steep penalties of up to $100,000 per violation and vague terms may lead to overblocking, restricting minors' access and limiting features for all users.
- The act could result in a more surveilled internet, disadvantaging smaller developers and consolidating power among large companies, without effectively addressing targeted harms.