During a campaign event in Ankeny on Saturday, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the necessity for Congress to strike a balance between regulating artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and fostering the growth of the AI sector in the United States. Cruz spoke alongside U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, who is campaigning for a Senate seat in 2026 to succeed current Senator Joni Ernst. Hinson is competing against state Representative Josh Turek (D-Council Bluffs) in the upcoming election.
At Faith Baptist Bible College, Cruz and Hinson engaged with Iowa parents to discuss potential legislative actions aimed at enhancing online safety for children. Cruz referenced existing Senate measures addressing these issues, including the bipartisan “TAKE IT DOWN Act,” which targets both actual and “deepfake” revenge pornography. He also highlighted the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), which sets the minimum age for social media users at 13, mandates that federally funded schools restrict social media access on campus, and prohibits algorithmic enhancement of content for users under 17.
Cruz pointed out a “generational divide” in the Senate's engagement with these issues, noting that many sponsors of KOSMA are senators in their 40s and 50s, while older members tend to be less involved. He expressed enthusiasm for Hinson's potential contributions: “Bringing the perspective of a mom who faces these challenges daily is essential, and we need that urgency in our discussions.”
Concerns were also raised regarding children's interactions with online predators, particularly in gaming environments. Hinson mentioned her own sons' experiences with games like Roblox, which feature online interactions, suggesting that this space could benefit from age limitations and protective measures.
Hinson elaborated, stating, “We need to examine protections across various platforms where social interactions occur; it’s not limited to social media. Technology is intertwined with every aspect of social interaction.” She called for dialogue about appropriate age restrictions for both tech companies and gaming platforms.
As the discussion shifted to artificial intelligence, it became clear that there are mounting concerns about the regulation of digital interactions for minors. Cruz is advocating for a new piece of legislation dubbed “chatbot KOSMA,” which would empower parents with control over their children's engagement with chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude, enabling them to monitor conversations.
Hinson noted that the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Initiative, recently approved by the House, includes some regulations aimed at chatbot interactions, particularly when AI systems simulate professional advice for minors on sensitive topics. However, she stressed the importance of further action, stating, “It’s crucial to ensure that chatbots operate within their specific roles. The realm of AI is rapidly evolving, and we need policies that protect children without stifling innovation.”
Cruz added that while establishing boundaries for AI is vital, it's also imperative to consider the competitive landscape with countries like China in the AI sector. “I want America to be the leader in this race because it dictates significant investments and job creation. More importantly, the ethical standards and values that shape AI will depend on the leading nation,” he elaborated. “If China prevails, its regime's values will manifest in AI technologies, with consequences for free speech and individual rights globally.”
Joining the discussion, Iowa State Representative Ryan Weldon remarked that the regulation of chatbots is an ongoing important topic within the Iowa Legislature. As legislators assess policies aimed at restricting minors' interactions with chatbots, he noted concerns from the business community that such regulations could adversely affect enterprises that utilize "closed-loop" AI for services.
Weldon urged Congress to explore ways to stimulate the AI industry while ensuring safety measures are in place. “While discussing restrictions is crucial, we should also consider how to incentivize companies to develop safe technologies. Free market dynamics suggest that what we reward will flourish. I wonder if there are strategies to encourage innovation while prioritizing safety.”
This event reflects ongoing discussions among lawmakers about the complex intersection of technology, regulation, and child safety in digital spaces, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities that come with rapid advancements in AI and social media.
