As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent within the U.S. economy, Senator Mark Warner is aiming to regulate AI agents, the autonomous bots that assist consumers with tasks like booking travel arrangements and online shopping.
The Virginia senator, a Democrat, is backing a pioneering draft of legislation known as the Artificial Intelligence Access, Gatekeeper Exchange and Nondiscriminatory Transfer Act, or AI Agent Act. This proposed law includes privacy and security elements designed to safeguard both consumers and businesses against the potential hazards of AI utilization.
“As agentic AI reshapes how Americans engage with technology, it’s essential that consumers have authentic choices in the market, and that AI agents are held accountable to those they serve,” Warner stated on Monday. “This discussion draft marks a significant step towards creating a straightforward federal framework that fosters innovation, shields consumers, and ensures America’s leadership in emerging technologies.”
The AI Agent Act aims to lay down the rights and duties of AI agents accessing major online platforms, guaranteeing they operate in the user’s best interest. It also calls for the establishment of a Federal Trade Commission registry for trustworthy AI agents to prevent consumers from sharing personal data with potentially risky bots.
“An AI agent privileged with access to a user’s sensitive information and permissions—such as email, e-commerce profiles, and credit cards—must act in a manner akin to a fiduciary to safeguard users,” according to a summary of the draft proposal.
The measure would also require AI agents to protect users’ privacy and any data they collect, to act “in a user’s best interest,” and to protect businesses from being exploited by unauthorized AI agents.
Warner is releasing the draft bill to solicit feedback from stakeholders and the public before formally introducing it, he said.
The use of AI-powered shopping assistants could account for up to $385 billion of U.S. e-commerce sales by 2030, according to Morgan Stanley.
Alain Sherter