The U.S. government has unveiled a new national policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI), outlining a broad yet high-level approach to regulation. Released by the Trump administration, the four-page document touches on various aspects of AI, including data center development, copyright protections related to AI training, and an overall regulatory approach.
In contrast to the regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom, the U.S. framework advocates for a sector-specific approach to AI regulation, aiming to avoid the creation of additional regulatory bodies or “burdensome” rules at either federal or state levels. However, the framework does acknowledge exceptions, particularly concerning online safety for children.
The government has urged Congress to take steps to “empower parents and guardians with robust tools” to manage their children’s privacy settings, screen time, content exposure, and account controls. It also called for the establishment of “commercially reasonable, privacy protective, age assurance requirements” for AI platforms and services likely to be accessed by minors. This includes measures for parental attestation to assure age for users of such platforms.
Moreover, the framework mandates that AI platforms and services catering to children must implement features to mitigate risks of sexual exploitation and self-harm. The government has emphasized the importance of applying existing child privacy protections to AI systems, particularly regarding limitations on data collection for model training and targeted advertising.
Lauro Fava, a legal expert at Pinsent Masons, commented on the recommendations, highlighting the focus on parental controls as a primary means of protecting children online. However, he cautioned against an over-reliance on parental responsibility, noting that many families face practical challenges. “Not all children have parents or guardians who are able or willing to engage with platform-specific controls,” he said. “Parents are often overwhelmed by the sheer number and diversity of services their children use.” Fava pointed out that parents may not be fully aware of all relevant platforms or their functionalities, complicating the management of multiple control systems.
Fava elaborated on the potential difficulties of using parental attestation as a method for age assurance. He stated, “While age attestation by another individual is theoretically possible, it is notoriously difficult to implement effectively in digital services.” He highlighted challenges platforms may face in determining when an attestation is needed, identifying who is providing it, and verifying that the person attesting is indeed a parent or legal guardian. Alternative methods, such as age estimation based on selfies and user activity, may offer more robust solutions.
This new policy framework underscores the government’s commitment to balancing innovation in AI with the imperative of protecting vulnerable populations, especially children. As the technology rapidly evolves, stakeholders across sectors will need to navigate the challenges of ensuring safety while fostering growth in AI capabilities. The broader implications of these regulations may shape the future landscape of AI development, raising critical questions about accountability, safety, and ethical standards in the digital age.
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