AWARE Act
Summary
The AI Warnings and Resources for Education (AWARE) Act proposes to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop and distribute educational materials focused on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence chatbots by children. If enacted, the FTC would be required to consult with other federal agencies to create these resources within 180 days. The materials would be designed specifically for parents, educators, and minors to help them navigate the emerging landscape of AI technology.
The proposed resources would cover several key areas, including how to distinguish between safe and unsafe AI chatbot interactions, understanding the privacy and data collection practices of these platforms, and establishing best practices for parental supervision. The bill specifies that these new materials should be modeled after the FTC’s existing Youville program, which provides digital safety education for children.
For everyday citizens, this bill aims to provide a centralized, government-vetted source of information to help protect children from potential risks associated with AI companions. It seeks to empower caregivers and teachers with practical tools to ensure that minors engage with AI in age-appropriate and secure ways, addressing growing concerns about data privacy and the nature of automated natural-language communication.
