In a significant move towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI), Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal have proposed a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing minors from using AI chatbots such as ChatGPT. The legislation, which also has the backing of Sen. Britt, seeks to address the potential dangers these technologies pose to children. This federal initiative mirrors state-level efforts, notably a recent California law that mandates chatbots to prioritize children’s mental health.
The Federal Bill’s Core Provisions
The proposed legislation seeks to completely bar minors from accessing AI chatbots. The bill mandates developers to put in place age verification mechanisms to prevent underage users from interacting with these AI tools. This would directly impact popular platforms like ChatGPT, as the bill requires companies to enforce these restrictions on a nationwide scale. The sponsors of the bill have emphasized that this measure is a response to the “treacherous” nature of unregulated AI interactions for children, a concern that has been growing in recent years.
As per the bill’s provisions, the onus of implementing these age restrictions would fall on the developers. This could potentially lead to significant changes in the way AI chatbot platforms operate, especially in terms of user verification and access control.
Key Sponsors and Bipartisan Backing
The bill is spearheaded by Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who view it as a necessary measure to protect young users from the potential risks of AI. Sen. Britt has also joined her Senate colleagues in co-sponsoring this legislation. The bipartisan support for this bill underscores the shared concern among lawmakers about the impact of AI on children.
As reported by AL Reporter, the bill’s bipartisan backing is a rare instance of cooperation on AI regulation. This unity on child safety issues could potentially expedite the bill’s passage through the legislative process.
California’s Related AI Regulations
While the federal bill seeks to impose an outright ban on minors using AI chatbots, state-level regulations have taken a different approach. On October 13, 2025, California Governor Newsom signed a law that requires chatbots to implement measures that protect children’s mental health. Rather than banning the technology for minors, the California law focuses on content safeguards.
This state-level regulation, as reported by Calmatters, sets a precedent for broader AI oversight. It mandates AI developers to prioritize mental health in interactions with minors, a move that could influence the national discourse on AI regulation.
Risks Highlighted for Minors
Lawmakers have raised concerns about AI chatbots exposing children to harmful, unfiltered content that could negatively impact their mental health and development. Supporters of the bill describe AI tools as “treacherous,” highlighting the risks of misinformation, inappropriate advice, and addictive engagement for young users.
Specific examples include chatbots like ChatGPT potentially delivering responses unsuitable for minors without age gates. As noted in a Live Action report, these concerns underscore the need for robust age verification mechanisms and content controls on AI platforms.
Potential Implementation Challenges
Implementing age verification on AI platforms would require significant technical upgrades. Developers would need to introduce robust ID checks or parental controls, which could pose a challenge. Critics might argue that the prohibition could limit the educational benefits of AI for supervised youth use.
The federal approach builds on state models like California’s, but a nationwide rollout would demand coordination across tech companies. Despite these potential hurdles, the bill’s sponsors believe that the protection of minors outweighs the implementation challenges.
Broader Implications for AI Regulation
The proposed bill represents a growing push for federal oversight of AI. This follows California’s October 13, 2025, chatbot law on mental health protections. The federal bill could set a template for future laws restricting minors’ access to emerging technologies beyond just chatbots.
The bipartisan momentum, including from Sens. Hawley, Blumenthal, and Britt, signals potential for swift passage amid rising public concerns. As reported by Time, this legislation could mark a significant step towards comprehensive AI regulation in the United States, particularly in terms of child safety.
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