Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
This bill ("Sammy’s Law") requires very large social media platforms to provide real-time APIs that allow a child (13+) or a parent/legal guardian to delegate management of a child’s account and hourly user-data transfers to registered third-party safety software providers. It establishes registration, security, U.S.-only data and storage requirements, annual independent audits, permitted disclosure rules, and FTC enforcement and guidance.
Child-safety empowerment versus concerns about private-sector data access
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a detailed substantive policy measure that defines obligations for large social media platforms and a regulatory regime for third-party safety software providers, with substantial integration into the FTC enforcement framework and multiple accountability mechanisms.
This bill ("Sammy’s Law") requires very large social media platforms to provide real-time APIs that allow a child (13+) or a parent/legal guardian to delegate management of a child’s account and hourly user-data transfers to registered third-party safety software providers.
It establishes registration, security, U.S.-only data and storage requirements, annual independent audits, permitted disclosure rules, and FTC enforcement and guidance.
The bill limits permitted state laws on requiring such APIs, provides indemnification for platforms that comply, and becomes effective when the FTC issues implementing guidance.
Child‑protection objective helps, but technical complexity, industry resistance, legal risks, and federal preemption reduce likelihood.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a detailed substantive policy measure that defines obligations for large social media platforms and a regulatory regime for third-party safety software providers, with substantial integration into the FTC enforcement framework and multiple accountability mechanisms. It includes clear definitions, specific registration and audit requirements, permitted disclosure rules, and timelines for agency action.
Child-safety empowerment versus concerns about private-sector data access
These are examples from the analysis, not a ranked list of the most-affected groups.
Child-safety empowerment versus concerns about private-sector data access
Generally supportive; sees the bill as empowering parents and protecting children from online harms while placing oversight with the FTC.
Appreciates data-handling limits, deletion requirements, and audit obligations, but worries about private-sector access to sensitive child data and potential weakening of stronger state protections.
Cautiously favorable toward parental empowerment and child safety goals, but concerned about implementation details, compliance costs, and FTC capacity.
Wants clearer technical standards, predictable costs for platforms, and safeguards to prevent security breaches or mission creep.
Likely opposed overall, viewing the bill as federal overreach that forces private companies to build APIs and share user data.
Also objects to heavy FTC regulation, registration mandates, and constraints on business operations; some may approve the U.S.-only provider rule on security grounds, but not enough to offset other concerns.
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Still ahead
Still ahead
Still ahead
Child‑protection objective helps, but technical complexity, industry resistance, legal risks, and federal preemption reduce likelihood.
The bill has not accumulated any surfaced votes yet.
Child-safety empowerment versus concerns about private-sector data access
Child‑protection objective helps, but technical complexity, industry resistance, legal risks, and federal preemption reduce likelihood.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a detailed substantive policy measure that defines obligations for large social media platforms and a regulatory regime for third-party safety software providers,…
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