Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6499

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Commerce

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-11: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2026-01-07T09:05:43Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act (H.R. 6499) aims to evaluate how industries, particularly those in online services and technology, are working to protect children under 17 from online risks. It directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to review these efforts and provide recommendations to improve safety, without creating new regulations.

Key Provisions

• Review Process: Within 6 months of the law's enactment, the FTC must start a review in consultation with industry representatives, parents, experts in communication technologies (like apps and websites), parental control tools, privacy, mental health, and other relevant groups.
• The review will assess industry initiatives such as:
• Educational programs on online safety.
• Tools for parents and children to control access and monitor activity.
• Age-appropriate labels for online content (similar to ratings on movies or games).
• Privacy and safety settings on platforms.
• Other technologies or programs aimed at reducing online harms.
• It will evaluate how effective these efforts are at preventing risks like exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, or privacy breaches for minors.
• Report Submission: Within 3 years of enactment, the FTC must deliver a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The report will include findings on effectiveness and recommendations for improvements by industry, Congress, and federal agencies.
• Exemption from Paperwork Reduction Act: The law is exempt from rules that limit how federal agencies collect information from the public, allowing the FTC more flexibility in gathering data for the review.
• Definitions:
• "Commission" refers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. agency that enforces consumer protection laws.
• "Minor" means anyone under age 17.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new requirement for the FTC to conduct a specific review and report on voluntary industry efforts for online child safety. It does not amend or repeal any existing laws but adds a one-time assessment process. The exemption from the Paperwork Reduction Act (a law that regulates federal data collection to reduce burdens on the public) is a minor procedural change to facilitate the review.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The FTC will need to allocate resources for consultations, research, and reporting, potentially influencing future FTC priorities on child online protection. Congress may use the report to shape new policies or funding.
• On Citizens: Parents and minors could benefit indirectly from recommendations that lead to better safety tools and education, making online spaces safer without immediate mandates. It promotes awareness but does not enforce changes right away.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on U.S. domestic industry and FTC actions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Leads the review and report.
• Technology and Online Industries: Providers of apps, social media, and websites (e.g., companies like Meta or Google) will be consulted and may face recommendations to enhance safety features.
• Parents and Minors: Primary beneficiaries, as the focus is on tools and protections for children under 17.
• Experts and Advocacy Groups: Including those in mental health, privacy, and parental controls, who provide input during consultations.
• Congress: Receives the report and can act on its recommendations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill emphasizes voluntary industry efforts rather than new mandates, avoiding potential challenges under free speech protections in the First Amendment (which limits government restrictions on online content). The Paperwork Reduction Act exemption streamlines federal processes but could raise minor concerns about data collection oversight.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts, as it involves assessment and recommendations rather than regulating speech or commerce directly.
• Political: Reflects growing bipartisan concern over online harms to children (introduced by Reps. Fulcher and Landsman from different parties), potentially building momentum for future legislation like stronger privacy laws or age verification requirements. It positions the FTC as a key player in child safety without expanding its enforcement powers immediately.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-11: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
• 2025-12-11: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-12-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
• 2025-12-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-12-09: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-09: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (3 pages)