AWARE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5360
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-11: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-22T08:07:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The AWARE Act (H.R. 5360) aims to promote the safe and responsible use of AI chatbots by minors under 18 years old. It directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create and publicly share educational materials to help parents, educators, and minors understand risks and best practices associated with these tools.
Key Provisions
- Development Timeline: Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the FTC must develop and release the educational resources, consulting with other relevant federal agencies.
- Content Requirements: The resources must cover:
- How to spot safe versus unsafe interactions with AI chatbots.
- Privacy concerns, including how data is collected from users.
- Tips for parents (including legal guardians) on supervising minors' use of AI chatbots.
- Model for Resources: The FTC must base these materials on its existing "Youville" program, which is an educational initiative focused on youth safety (likely referring to a FTC program on online safety for young people).
- Definitions:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Defined as per the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020, generally referring to systems that perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence.
- AI Chatbot: An AI system available to consumers that uses natural language (like text or voice) to converse with users and generate responses based on context.
- Minor: Anyone under 18 years old.
- Commission: The FTC.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandate for the FTC to produce specific educational resources on AI chatbots, which does not exist in current law. It builds on existing FTC authority over consumer protection and online privacy but adds a focused requirement for AI-related youth education. No amendments to prior statutes are made; it is an additive measure.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The FTC will face increased responsibilities and resource allocation to create and distribute materials, potentially involving coordination with agencies like the Department of Education or Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Citizens: Parents and guardians gain tools to better monitor and guide minors' AI use, potentially reducing risks like exposure to harmful content or privacy breaches. Educators and minors directly benefit from accessible safety information, fostering safer digital habits.
- International Relations: Minimal impact, as the bill focuses on domestic consumer education without addressing cross-border AI regulations or trade.
Main Stakeholders
- Primary: The FTC, as the lead agency responsible for implementation.
- Direct Beneficiaries: Parents (including legal guardians), educators (e.g., teachers and school administrators), and minors (children under 18) who interact with AI chatbots.
- Indirect: AI developers and companies providing chatbots to consumers, who may need to align with emerging safety expectations; broader public interested in child online safety.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens FTC's role in consumer education under its existing mandate to protect against unfair or deceptive practices (e.g., via the FTC Act). No enforcement mechanisms like fines are included; it emphasizes voluntary guidance. Definitions rely on established laws, ensuring consistency.
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it involves government information-sharing without restricting speech or imposing mandates on private entities.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Houchin, R-IN, and Rep. Auchincloss, D-MA) signals broad support for child online safety amid growing AI concerns. It could set a precedent for future AI regulations focused on education rather than heavy-handed rules, potentially influencing tech policy debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-11: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2025-12-11: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-09-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- AI Warnings And Resources for Education Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (3 pages)