HR 6334, the Deepfake Liability Act, requires online platforms to implement specific processes to address non-consensual intimate content and cyberstalking. It amends Section 230 of the Communications Act to create a "duty of care" for platforms, mandating they prevent and remove intimate privacy violations (like non-consensual deepfakes or intimate images) within 48 hours of a valid request. The law directly affects victims of non-consensual intimate content and platforms classified as "covered platforms" (social media, apps, and websites), while excluding email, messaging services, and data storage. Key provisions include minimum data logging for legal proceedings, clear removal processes, and a 48-hour removal timeline for verified violations.
HR 3875, the TERMS Act, requires online service providers (like social media platforms or apps requiring user accounts) to clearly explain their rules for suspending or terminating accounts. It mandates that providers publicly disclose their acceptable use policies in plain language, including what actions could lead to account restrictions, how enforcement works, and appeal options. Providers must also give users advance written notice before restricting accounts (with limited exceptions for court orders or immediate safety risks) and publish annual reports detailing how often they enforced their policies. These requirements aim to give users transparency about account decisions and promote competition by making platform rules more understandable.
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.
The SCAM Act requires online platforms that accept payment for advertisements to verify advertiser identities (including government ID and business documentation) and implement systems to detect and remove scam ads within 72 hours of reporting. It mandates platforms to conduct investigations, remove verified fraudulent ads within 24 hours, and maintain active impersonation detection programs. The law directly affects major social media and digital advertising platforms by imposing new verification and monitoring obligations to prevent deceptive ads targeting consumers. Enforcement falls to the Federal Trade Commission, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices under existing law.
The SCREEN Act requires online platforms that create, host, or make available pornographic content for profit to implement age verification technology that prevents minors from accessing such content. Covered platforms must use technology to verify users' age and block access to content defined as "harmful to minors" - material that appeals to prurient interest, depicts sexual acts in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious value for minors. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce the law, requiring platforms to conduct regular audits, maintain reasonable data security for age verification information, and make their verification processes public. Platforms must comply with these requirements within one year of the bill's enactment, with the goal of protecting minors from exposure to online pornography.
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.
S 3540, the LISTOS Act of 2025, requires major online platforms (those with 10 million+ U.S. monthly active users) to ensure consistent content moderation across languages where they generate revenue. It mandates annual public reports detailing staffing levels, language proficiency, translation practices, automated system performance, and moderation outcomes for each monetized language. Platforms must also make reporting tools and policies accessible in all supported languages. Enforcement falls to the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, with penalties for noncompliance.
The TLDR Act requires major online platforms (excluding small businesses) to provide simplified, accessible summaries of their terms of service. These summaries must appear at the top of terms pages and include key details like categories of user data processed, legal liabilities (e.g., arbitration clauses), historical terms changes, recent data breaches, and estimated reading time. Platforms must also display interactive data flow diagrams showing how user data is shared with third parties and provide full terms in an interactive format. Enforcement will be handled by the Federal Trade Commission under existing FTC Act provisions, with states allowed to pursue cases affecting 1,000+ residents.
