What does Preamble of GUARD Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require artificial intelligence chatbots to implement age verification measures and make certain disclosures, and for other purposes,' aims to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots. The bill requires artificial intelligence chatbots to implement age verification measures. The bill also mandates that these chatbots make certain disclosures.

What does SHORT TITLE. of GUARD Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of GUARD Act do?

This section outlines findings related to artificial intelligence chatbots. It notes the increasing deployment of these chatbots on social media and in consumer applications used by minors. The findings express concern that chatbots can generate harmful or sexually explicit content for children. The text highlights potential manipulation of emotions and exploitation of developmental vulnerabilities in minors. It identifies physical and psychological safety risks, including grooming, addiction, self-harm, and harm to others. The section concludes that protecting children from AI chatbots lacking accountability is a compelling governmental interest.

What does DEFINITIONS. of GUARD Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. An 'AI companion' is defined as an artificial intelligence chatbot designed to simulate interpersonal or emotional interaction. An 'artificial intelligence chatbot' is defined as a service or application that produces new content and accepts user input, but excludes those with limited responses or narrow purposes. A 'covered entity' is any person who owns, operates, or makes available an artificial intelligence chatbot to individuals in the United States. A 'minor' is defined as anyone under 18 years of age. A 'reasonable age verification measure' is a method authenticated to a user, such as government-issued identification, used to determine if a user is an adult and prevent minor access. A 'reasonable age verification process' requires covered entities to use reasonable age verification measures to verify user age, and prohibits relying solely on self-declarations or birth dates. Age verification cannot be based on shared technical indicators like IP addresses.

What does CRIMINAL PROHIBITIONS. of GUARD Act do?

This section amends title 18, United States Code, to establish Chapter 6, titled 'Artificial Intelligence'. The chapter defines 'artificial intelligence chatbot' as an interactive service or application producing new content and responding to user input, excluding those with limited responses or narrow purposes. It defines 'minor' as anyone under 18 and incorporates the definition of 'sexually explicit conduct' from section 2256. It establishes an offense for designing, developing, or making available an AI chatbot with knowledge or reckless disregard that it poses a risk of soliciting minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The penalty for violating this provision is a fine of not more than $100,000 per offense. It also creates an offense for designing, developing, or making available an AI chatbot that encourages, promotes, or coerces suicide, self-injury, or violence, with the same penalty. A technical amendment updates the table of chapters in title 18 to include the new chapter on artificial intelligence.

What does COVERED ENTITY OBLIGATIONS. of GUARD Act do?

This section outlines obligations for covered entities operating artificial intelligence chatbots. Covered entities must require user accounts for all individuals interacting with chatbots. Age verification is mandated for existing, new, and periodically reviewed user accounts. Covered entities may use third parties for age verification but remain liable. Specific data security measures are required to protect age verification data, including limiting data collection and using encryption. Chatbots must disclose their non-human status at the start of each conversation and at regular intervals. Chatbots are prohibited from claiming to be human or responding deceptively when asked about their identity. Chatbots cannot represent themselves as licensed professionals and must disclose they do not provide professional services. Users are advised to consult licensed professionals for medical, legal, financial, or psychological advice.

What does PROHIBITION ON MINOR USE OF AI COMPANIONS. of GUARD Act do?

This section prohibits covered entities from allowing minors to access or use AI companions. The prohibition applies if the age verification process, as described in section 5(b), determines an individual is a minor. The prohibition applies to AI companions owned, operated, or made available by the covered entity.

What does ENFORCEMENT. of GUARD Act do?

This section establishes enforcement mechanisms for violations of sections 5 and 6 of the Act, or regulations promulgated thereunder. The Attorney General can bring civil actions to enjoin violations, enforce compliance, and obtain civil penalties, restitution, and other relief. The Attorney General has investigatory powers, including issuing subpoenas and compelling testimony, to enforce the Act. The Attorney General may promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Civil penalties for violations may not exceed $100,000 per violation, with each violation considered separate. State Attorneys General can bring civil actions on behalf of state residents (parens patriae) to obtain injunctive relief for violations. This Act does not prohibit or affect the enforcement of State laws that provide at least as much protection for users of artificial intelligence chatbots as this Act.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of GUARD Act do?

This Act will become effective 180 days after its enactment.

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GUARD Act

Last updated: 4/30/2026 · Introduced: 4/30/2026

Author: Blake Moore (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

The GUARD Act requires artificial intelligence chatbots to implement age verification measures to prevent minor access.
Covered entities, those who own or operate AI chatbots, must require user accounts and periodically review them for age verification.
The bill prohibits the use of AI companions by minors, regardless of whether the user self-declares their age.
It establishes criminal penalties for designing or distributing AI chatbots that risk soliciting minors for sexually explicit conduct or that encourage self-harm or violence.
Chatbots must disclose their non-human status to users and are prohibited from impersonating humans or licensed professionals.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3062(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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