Bill > HR3875

This bill, known as the TERMS (Transparency in Enforcement, Restricting, and Monitoring of Services) Act, aims to increase transparency and accountability for online service providers by requiring them to clearly disclose their acceptable use policies and provide users with more information about potential account restrictions. Specifically, online service providers would be required to publicly share their acceptable use policies within 180 days of the act's enactment, detailing the specific prohibited acts that could lead to account termination, how they enforce these policies, and whether users can appeal account restrictions. The bill mandates that providers give users advance written notice before terminating their accounts, explaining the specific violation and providing an option to appeal. Additionally, online service providers must publish annual reports that transparently detail the number of policy violations reported, actions taken against users, and the outcomes of any user appeals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for enforcing these requirements, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices. The bill's purpose is to help consumers make more informed choices about the online services they use and promote a more competitive marketplace by increasing transparency around service providers' account management practices.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3875/all-info