Sammy’s Law would require large social media platforms to provide real-time tools that let registered safety software companies manage a child’s interactions, content, and account settings when the child or a parent or guardian authorizes it. The bill defines a child as someone under 17 and covers platforms with more than 100 million monthly global users or over $1 billion in yearly gross revenue, subject to exceptions. A child may authorize a provider at age 13 or older; for younger children, a parent or guardian may do so. The software provider could receive account data, with transfers available at least once per hour. Providers would have to register with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), meet security and data-handling rules, and undergo annual audits. The FTC would issue guidance, assess compliance, and enforce the requirements. The bill would take effect when the FTC issues required guidance. The metadata says it was forwarded by a House subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote.
A child aged 13 or older, or a parent or guardian of a child, could authorize a registered safety software provider to manage the child’s covered social media account for protection from harm. Platforms would have to tell the child and, when applicable, the parent or guardian about the delegation and data transfers. The bill also limits state and local requirements on these platform interfaces, while preserving certain state laws.
The bill provides no cost estimates. It would require covered platforms to create and maintain the interfaces, and registered safety software providers to undergo annual audits.
Congress states that parents and guardians should be able to use third-party safety software to protect children. It identifies cyberbullying, trafficking, illegal drug distribution, sexual harassment, and violence as harms affecting children on some platforms.
No publicly available information.