SPY Kids Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
In Committee
Summary
A ban on market- or product-focused research on minors. This bill would stop covered online platforms from doing targeted market research on children and would limit research on teens unless parents give verifiable consent.
Show full summary
- Families and children: Children (under 13) would be barred from market or product-focused research. Teens (over 13 and under 17) would be protected unless a platform obtains verifiable parental consent.
- Platforms and product design: The rule would apply to sites and apps defined by features like user-generated content, followable profiles, engagement-driving design features, and use of personal information for ads or recommendations. It would preserve a limited allowance for measuring or reporting advertising and content performance.
- Enforcement and states: The Federal Trade Commission would enforce violations using its existing FTC Act powers and state attorneys general could sue on behalf of residents after notifying the Commission. The bill would temporarily limit state action while federal action is pending, bar conflicting state laws, and take effect 90 days after enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New limits on platform research on kids
If enacted, this would set rules for covered platforms that feature user content and use engagement tools and personal data for ads or recommendations. Platforms would be barred from doing market or product research on users they know are children under 13. For teens 13 to under 17, platforms could only do this research with verifiable parental consent. “Know” would mean actual knowledge or willful disregard. It would not stop processing done only to measure ad or content performance, including independent measurement. These rules would start 90 days after enactment.
FTC and states would enforce rules
If enacted, violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive acts, and the FTC could use its usual powers and penalties. State attorneys general could sue in state or federal court for residents, must give notice to the FTC, and the FTC could step in; state cases would pause if a federal case against the same defendants is pending. The bill would keep COPPA intact. States and cities could not pass or enforce rules that relate to this Act, creating one federal standard. These enforcement and state rules would start 90 days after enactment.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
IA • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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