Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves AI chatbot age verification

Source: Engadget

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Bill Overview

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, prohibit AI companions for minors, and block 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 a preliminary step toward any real federal regulation on this subject. However, the unanimous agreement on restricting chatbot use for minors suggests there may be sufficient bipartisan support to move the bill through the Senate quickly and successfully.

Context

A large group of U.S. attorneys general contacted several AI leaders last year to push for better protections for children and teens. Multiple companies operating AI chatbots have already been taken to court on claims that teenagers used the platforms to plan suicides.