Senator Mark Warner has unveiled a first-of-its-kind proposal aimed at regulating autonomous artificial intelligence agents that interact with consumers, emphasizing stronger privacy and security protections. The draft legislation, known as the Artificial Intelligence Access, Gatekeeper Exchange and Nondiscriminatory Transfer (AI Agent) Act, responds to the rapid expansion of AI assistants handling online tasks such as booking travel and shopping.
What Happened
On June 29, 2026, Senator Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, released the draft of the AI Agent Act to invite feedback from stakeholders and the public prior to formal introduction in Congress. The proposed bill sets forth a federal framework that seeks to establish clear rights and responsibilities for AI agents accessing major online platforms. This includes mandating that AI agents operate in the user’s best interest and uphold fiduciary-like duties when managing sensitive personal data such as email accounts, e-commerce profiles, and credit card information.
The draft also advocates for a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) registry of trusted AI agents, designed to prevent consumers from inadvertently sharing personal data with unverified or potentially malicious bots. Additionally, it proposes protections for businesses against exploitation by unauthorized AI agents.
Key Facts
- The AI Agent Act is a draft bill publicly released by Sen. Mark Warner on June 29, 2026.
- The legislation targets AI agents—autonomous bots that perform consumer tasks online such as shopping and booking.
- It mandates that AI agents access user data in a fiduciary-like manner, protecting privacy and acting in users’ best interests.
- A FTC-maintained registry of trusted AI agents is proposed to manage access and improve transparency.
- The bill aims to shield both consumers and businesses from unauthorized AI agent activity.
- According to Morgan Stanley estimates, AI-powered shopping assistants could influence up to $385 billion in U.S. e-commerce sales by 2030.
What This Means
The emergence of AI agents capable of managing personal online tasks introduces new dimensions of privacy and security risk. Warner’s proposed legislation acknowledges that these autonomous systems can access highly sensitive consumer information, creating potential vulnerabilities if left unregulated. The bill’s fiduciary requirement for AI agents is a notable step toward holding AI accountable in ways similar to human agents with access to critical personal data.
For consumers, this could provide greater confidence and control when engaging with AI services, as any trusted AI agent would have to comply with clear rules designed to safeguard users’ interests and data privacy. For businesses, the legislation promises protection against unauthorized bot activity that might exploit platform access, thereby reducing risks of fraud or data misuse affecting commercial operations.
Overall, the AI Agent Act represents a pioneering attempt to bridge the regulatory gap emerging alongside rapidly advancing AI technologies. If enacted, it could establish the United States as a global leader in ethical AI governance by creating a federal baseline of security and consumer protections tailored specifically to AI’s unique challenges.
Background
The expanding use of AI to automate consumer interactions, including autonomous shopping assistants and digital booking agents, is transforming commerce but also raising concerns about data privacy and security. While privacy laws have traditionally focused on human-operated services, AI agents’ ability to autonomously collect and act on personal information requires updated legal frameworks to manage attendant risks.
What Comes Next
Senator Warner is soliciting feedback on the draft AI Agent Act ahead of formally filing the bill in Congress. Stakeholders including technology companies, consumer advocates, and privacy experts have the opportunity to propose amendments or express concerns before the legislative process advances.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following sources:
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