AI AGENT Act of 2026
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The AI AGENT Act of 2026 (S. 5051) would give users of very large online platforms—those with more than 50 million U.S. customers or subscribers in a month—the right to designate "custodial user agents," software tools authorized to act on their behalf for online interactions, purchases, content, and account settings. Large platforms would have to maintain accessible interfaces for these agents on fair, reasonable, nondiscriminatory terms, disclose interface documentation, and provide advance notice of changes. Custodial user agent providers would have to register with the Federal Trade Commission, follow duties such as safeguarding user data, avoiding self-benefiting or harmful actions, keeping auditable records, and not misusing data for advertising or profiling. The FTC could deregister noncompliant providers, and platforms could deny or revoke access under specified conditions, subject to appeal.
The bill primarily affects large online platform operators (social media, e-commerce, finance, and AI service providers with over 50 million U.S. users), companies or individuals offering "custodial user agents," and consumers who use such agents to manage their online accounts. It also involves the FTC, NIST, and several other federal agencies (CFPB, FDIC, OCC, Treasury, DHS, Commerce, DOJ, SEC) in rulemaking, technical-standard development, and interagency coordination on fraud prevention. Violations would be enforced as unfair or deceptive practices under FTC Act authority, with state laws preempted only where inconsistent.
The bill was introduced by Senator Mark Warner on July 21, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in both the Senate and House before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 21, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5051 do?
- The AI AGENT Act of 2026 (S. 5051) would give users of very large online platforms—those with more than 50 million U.S. customers or subscribers in a month—the right to designate "custodial user agents," software tools authorized to act on their behalf for online interactions, purchases, content, and account settings. Large platforms would have to maintain accessible interfaces for these agents on fair, reasonable, nondiscriminatory terms, disclose interface documentation, and provide advance notice of changes. Custodial user agent providers would have to register with the Federal Trade Commission, follow duties such as safeguarding user data, avoiding self-benefiting or harmful actions, keeping auditable records, and not misusing data for advertising or profiling. The FTC could deregister noncompliant providers, and platforms could deny or revoke access under specified conditions, subject to appeal. The bill primarily affects large online platform operators (social media, e-commerce, finance, and AI service providers with over 50 million U.S. users), companies or individuals offering "custodial user agents," and consumers who use such agents to manage their online accounts. It also involves the FTC, NIST, and several other federal agencies (CFPB, FDIC, OCC, Treasury, DHS, Commerce, DOJ, SEC) in rulemaking, technical-standard development, and interagency coordination on fraud prevention. Violations would be enforced as unfair or deceptive practices under FTC Act authority, with state laws preempted only where inconsistent. The bill was introduced by Senator Mark Warner on July 21, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in both the Senate and House before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
- Has S. 5051 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Jul 2026, S. 5051 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5051?
- S. 5051 was sponsored by Sen. Mark Warner [D-VA] (Democrat-VA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5051?
- Introduced (21 Jul 2026).
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