For Immediate Release
APP Praises Senate Judiciary Committee for Advancing the GUARD Act
Washington, D.C. – April 30, 2026 – The American Principles Project (APP) today commended the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for advancing the Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue (GUARD) Act out of committee.
This bipartisan legislation, led by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), takes critical steps to safeguard minors from the growing threats posed by unregulated artificial intelligence tools. APP President Terry Schilling issued the following statement:
“Our kids deserve protection from the rapid proliferation of AI tools that can expose them to explicit content, manipulative conversations, and other dangers. The GUARD Act delivers the common-sense solution families have been demanding and ensures that child safety guides the future of digital technology, rather than unchecked interests of Silicon Valley. The GUARD Act gives parents peace of mind, and APP urges Congress to pass it swiftly.”
The bill addresses the rapid proliferation of AI systems that can groom, sexualize, or emotionally manipulate vulnerable young users. APP has led the charge to protect children from Big Tech’s failures on age-appropriate content and parental rights. The advancement of the GUARD Act represents meaningful progress in holding AI developers accountable.
The bill requires AI chatbots to implement robust age verification, prohibits minors from accessing “AI companion” systems that simulate human-esque emotional interactions, and penalizes platforms that expose children to explicit, sexual, or manipulative content.
Congress is weighing multiple bills that would protect children and families online, including the SCREEN Act and App Store Accountability Act, each of which would mandate age verification for, respectively, pornographic websites and app downloads on devices.
APP calls on the full Senate to pass age verification legislation without delay and urges the House to take up companion measures so families can finally receive the protections they need in the AI era.
About the American Principles Project
The American Principles Project is a national pro-family organization dedicated to making the family the most powerful, respected, and well-represented voice in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2009, APP fights in the political arena to defend life, childhood innocence, and American values.
For more information, visit americanprinciplesproject.org.
Media Contact: Bill McMorris
Communications Director, American Principles Project
Bill@AmericanPrinciplesProject.org