A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the 16 & Up Social Media Act, stops certain internet platforms from letting anyone under the age of 16 create or keep an account. Covered platforms must clear out existing accounts belonging to these young users within a specific timeline and delete their personal data. Platforms must also set up a clear appeal process so users can challenge an age decision. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general are given the power to enforce these rules and handle violations. Overall, the legislation aims to restrict underage access to specific online platforms using engagement features.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +8
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?
The legislation imposes strict rules and account prohibitions on covered internet platforms regarding users under the age of 16.
- Scored +7
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
The bill mandates the immediate deletion of personal data for terminated underage accounts and restricts data use during age verification appeals.
- Scored +6
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill enhances consumer protection by requiring platforms to delete personal data of underage users and providing mechanisms for data access and appeals.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would children be better off under this?
Individuals under the age of 16 are completely prohibited from creating or maintaining accounts on covered social media platforms.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Personal Data Deletion: Under Section 2(a)(3)(A), once an underage user's account is terminated, the platform must immediately delete all personal data collected or submitted by that user, which helps protect young peoples' private information from lingering online.
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Access to Data Copies: Section 2(a)(3)(B) ensures that terminated users can still request a copy of their personal data in a readable, machine-friendly format for up to 90 days after their account is closed.
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Clear Appeal Process: Section 2(a)(4) requires platforms to set up a simple review process so people can appeal if they are mistakenly flagged as being under 16, and it limits the data collected during this review strictly to age verification.
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State-Level Enforcement and Compensation: Section 2(c)(1) lets state attorneys general bring civil actions on behalf of state residents to obtain damages, restitution, or other compensation if people are harmed by a violation of this Act.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Loss of Account Access: Under Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(a)(2), individuals under the age of 16 are completely prohibited from creating or maintaining accounts on covered platforms, and existing accounts must be terminated.
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Strict Limits on Data Retention: Section 2(a)(4)(D) prohibits platforms from using any personal data or evidence submitted during an appeal for any purpose other than verifying age, meaning users cannot reuse that data for other account-related needs once the process concludes.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — The legislation imposes strict rules and account prohibitions on covered internet platforms regarding users under the age of 16. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill mandates the immediate deletion of personal data for terminated underage accounts and restricts data use during age verification appeals.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances consumer protection by requiring platforms to delete personal data of underage users and providing mechanisms for data access and appeals.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants enforcement powers to the Federal Trade Commission over covered social media platforms.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults over the age of 16 benefit from increased privacy and platform regulations aimed at younger demographics. Would children be better off under this? — Individuals under the age of 16 are completely prohibited from creating or maintaining accounts on covered social media platforms.
- 9/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts