Bill > HR6273

This bill, known as the Stop Profiling Youth and Kids (SPY Kids) Act, aims to protect children and teens from market research and exploitative design features on online platforms. The bill defines a "covered platform" as an internet-connected website or app that allows user profiles, enables user-generated content, and uses personal information for advertising or recommendations. For children under 13, the bill completely prohibits market or product-focused research. For teens (ages 13-17), such research is only allowed with verifiable parental consent. The bill also defines specific "design features" that could manipulate or encourage excessive platform use by minors, such as infinite scrolling, auto-play, rewards/badges for frequent use, and notifications. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce the Act, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and state attorneys general can also bring civil actions on behalf of residents. The bill does not limit existing children's online privacy protections and will take effect 90 days after enactment. Importantly, the bill prevents states from creating laws that conflict with its provisions, establishing a uniform national standard for protecting minors online.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6273/all-info