Survivor Parents Welcome New Legislative Action on AI Chatbots, Calling for Stricter Safeguards for Kids

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — ParentsSOS, a coalition of 20 survivor families impacted by online harms, welcomed today’s introduction of the GUARD Act, which aims to address the burgeoning landscape of artificial intelligence chatbots and the harmful effects it has had on children. ParentsSOS members lauded Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for their leadership on the issue and their continued commitment to protecting minors online.

While supporting the bill’s introduction, the parent coalition also flagged some issues with the bill in its current form that could be strengthened. Maurine Molak, mother of David Molak, forever 16, co-founder of ParentsSOS and the David’s Legacy Foundation, issued the following statement on ParentsSOS’s behalf: 

“We stand by the families who have been tragically affected by unsafe artificial intelligence chatbots and we appreciate the intent behind the GUARD Act, which is an important step in the right direction to prevent kids from experiencing harm online. However, we believe some of the definitions and sections could and should be strengthened to ensure that young users are effectively protected, such as the language around age verification systems, to focus on harm prevention.

“ParentsSOS members have consistently advocated for legislation aimed at platform design, and like with the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), this bill should address Big Tech companies’ core design practices and prohibit AI platforms from employing features that maximize engagement to the detriment of young people's safety and well-being. 

“We look forward to working with Senators Hawley and Blumenthal to strengthen the GUARD Act over the coming months and appreciate their passion for protecting children from the serious harms caused by AI chatbots.”