"If enacted, the GUARD Act won't just target a narrow category of risky chatbots. It would require companies to verify the age of users - then block anyone under 18 from interacting with a huge range of online systems."
"Under the GUARD Act's broad definitions, a high school student could be barred from asking homework help tools questions about algebra problems. A teenager trying to return a product could be kicked out of a standard customer-service chat."
"The bill's sponsors say they're targeting worst-case scenarios - but the bill regulates everyday use. The problem starts with how the bill defines an 'AI chatbot.' It covers any system that generates responses that aren't fully pre-written by the developer or operator."
The GUARD Act aims to restrict minors' access to online tools by requiring age verification for users. This legislation is a response to concerns about AI companions and their interactions with young users. However, the bill's broad definitions could limit access to essential services, such as homework help and customer support, for high school students. While the risks associated with AI interactions are valid, the proposed sweeping restrictions may not be the appropriate solution, as they could undermine parental guidance and privacy for all users.
Read at Electronic Frontier Foundation
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