HR 7045, the PROTECT Act, repeals Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, which currently shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content. This repeal directly affects websites, social media companies, and other internet services that host third-party content, removing their legal immunity for such content. The bill also updates numerous other federal laws by replacing references to "Section 230" with new definitions from Section 223(i) of the Communications Act. The key change eliminates a foundational legal protection for digital platforms, shifting liability for user content to the platforms themselves.
S 278, the Kids Off Social Media Act, prohibits social media platforms from allowing children under 13 to create or maintain accounts and requires platforms to delete accounts of children under 13. It also bans the use of personalized recommendation systems for children under 13 and teens aged 13-16, with limited exceptions for basic device information. The bill requires schools receiving certain broadband subsidies to certify they prevent student access to social media on school devices through technology protection measures. Platforms would face enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission for violations, and the bill excludes certain educational platforms from the definition of "social media platform" to allow for educational use. The bill would take effect one year after enactment.
This bill amends federal law to clarify that electronic communications and remote computing service providers (like internet companies) are exempt from certain record-keeping requirements when handling information related to child exploitation. It specifically removes the need for providers to maintain certain records about child exploitation cases and prohibits them from being paid for providing information, facilities, or technical assistance related to such cases. The exemption applies only to information defined as "child exploitation" under the 2008 PROTECT Our Children Act. The bill directly affects tech companies and service providers by streamlining their ability to share child exploitation data without financial compensation or record-keeping burdens.
HR 6746, the "Sunset To Reform Section 230 Act," would amend Section 230 of the Communications Act to end its legal protections for online platforms after December 31, 2026. This bill directly affects websites, social media companies, and other online platforms that currently benefit from Section 230 immunity, which shields them from most lawsuits over user-generated content. The key provision is a fixed expiration date - Section 230 would no longer apply to these platforms after 2026, meaning they could face greater legal liability for user content starting in 2027. The bill does not change Section 230's current rules but sets a specific end date for its operation.
This bill amends Section 230 of the Communications Act to change how online platforms are treated in legal cases involving user content. It requires platforms or users to prove they are not "information content providers" when sued for publishing user content (shifting the burden of proof to them). Crucially, it removes Section 230 protection if a platform restricts content based on a communication from a government entity (or a non-government entity acting at government request) regarding political speech. This directly affects platforms that moderate content in response to government requests about political expression, while maintaining exceptions for legitimate law enforcement or national security communications.
This bill repeals Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, which currently shields online platforms from most liability for user-generated content. It would remove this legal protection, potentially making platforms more liable for content posted by users. The bill also updates references to Section 230 in other federal laws (like the Trademark Act and criminal codes) to instead reference Section 223 of the Communications Act. The changes would take effect two years after the bill is enacted.
This bill prohibits U.S. courts from enforcing foreign court judgments against U.S. digital companies related to foreign digital market regulations. It directly affects U.S. companies providing "core platform services" (like major social media or search platforms) that face foreign rules requiring data sharing, interoperability, or restrictions on business practices. Key provisions block enforcement of such foreign regulations unless Congress specifically authorizes it, and grant the President authority to take actions protecting these companies if they face adverse foreign regulatory actions. The bill specifically targets regulations similar to the EU's Digital Markets Act, aiming to shield U.S. tech firms from foreign rules that could hinder their competitiveness.
HR 908, the "Stop the Censorship Act," would amend Section 230 of the Communications Act to change how online platforms can moderate user content without losing legal immunity. It specifically revises the definition from removing "objectionable" material to only removing "unlawful" material, and adds a new provision stating platforms cannot be shielded for allowing users to restrict access to other content. This bill directly affects online platforms hosting user-generated content, such as social media sites and forums. The key change shifts the standard for immunity from subjective "objectionable" content to legally prohibited "unlawful" content.
HR 5173, the "No Social Media at School Act," requires social media companies to block access to their platforms on K-12 school campuses during regular school hours using geofencing technology. This applies to companies operating platforms that collect personal data for advertising or data sales, excluding educational tools, email services, and emergency alerts. The bill prohibits social media companies from needing to collect age data or implement age verification to comply. Enforcement is handled by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, who can sue to block violations or seek damages.
