SCREEN Act
Sponsored By: Senator Mike Lee
Introduced
Summary
Requires covered online platforms to verify users' ages and block minors from content that is obscene, sexually explicit, or otherwise harmful. The bill would force commercial interactive services that regularly make that content available to adopt technology that confirms a user's age and prevents minors from accessing the content.
Show full summary
- Families and children: Would prevent minors from accessing content defined as obscene, child pornography, or otherwise "harmful to minors," with platforms required to implement age checks beginning one year after enactment.
- Platforms and operators: Would apply to interactive computer services engaged in U.S. commerce that regularly create, host, or make available such content. Platforms must publish their verification process, may use third parties, and remain responsible for compliance.
- Privacy, data, and oversight: Would require reasonable data security and limited retention for verification data, ban reliance on mere self-declaration, and give the Federal Trade Commission authority to audit and enforce. The Government Accountability Office would report on effectiveness and compliance within two years after platforms begin complying.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New age checks for online platforms
If enacted, beginning one year after enactment, covered platforms would have to use age-verification tools. Covered platforms would be online services that do business across state lines and host content meant to make money. Platforms would have to block minors from content defined as harmful to minors, including obscene material and child pornography. Verification must go beyond a user saying they are not a minor. Platforms would have to check IP addresses including known VPNs unless they can tell the user is outside the U.S. Platforms could hire third parties but would remain liable. Platforms would have to protect verification data and keep it only as long as reasonably needed.
Federal audits and enforcement for platforms
If enacted, violations of the age-verification rules would be treated as unfair or deceptive acts under the FTC Act. The Federal Trade Commission could use its usual powers and penalties to enforce those rules. The FTC would audit covered platforms and publish audit terms and processes, including third-party auditors. The FTC must consult experts and issue guidance within 180 days of enactment. Not later than two years after platforms begin complying, the Comptroller General would report to Congress on effectiveness, compliance, data security, and social effects.
If a part is invalid, rest stays
If enacted, the bill would say that if any part is held unconstitutional, the remaining provisions would stay in effect.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Mike Lee
UT • R
Cosponsors
John Curtis
UT • R
Sponsored 2/26/2025
Jim Banks
IN • R
Sponsored 2/26/2025
James Lankford
OK • R
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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