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119-hr-2019119th CongressWALLET

TLDR Act

Sponsored By: Representative Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]

Introduced

Summary

Simplify and standardize online terms of service for consumers. This bill would require the Federal Trade Commission to write rules that force commercial websites and online services to show a short plain-language summary, a graphic data-flow diagram, and the full terms in an interactive, machine-readable format.

Show full summary
  • Consumers and families would see a short, truthful summary at the top of every permanent terms page that lists sensitive data categories, rights transferred, deletion steps, and reported data breaches from the previous 3 years.
  • People with low literacy and people with disabilities would get accessible summaries that can use icons, tables, hyperlinks, and vary by device to aid understanding.
  • Covered entities, defined as commercial websites and online services but excluding small businesses, would have to tag TOS sections in an interactive data format and display the full TOS interactively. The FTC would issue the rule and graphical guidelines within 360 days.
  • Enforcement would include FTC actions treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts, and State attorneys general could sue on behalf of at least 1,000 residents to seek injunctions, damages, or other relief.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Short, clear terms on websites

Within 360 days, the FTC would require covered websites to put a short, truthful summary at the top of their terms page. A simple graphic right below would show how your sensitive data is shared, including with affiliates and third parties. The summary would be accessible, machine readable, and could use icons, tables, or links. It would list key items: what sensitive data is used; what is needed for basic features; your legal obligations (like arbitration, class‑action waiver, or content licenses); past versions and change logs; how to delete data; breaches in the last 3 years; and reading time. Full terms would be in an interactive, tagged format, and the summary would not change your legal rights.

Stronger enforcement of website terms rules

Violations would count as unfair or deceptive practices under the FTC Act. The FTC could use its usual powers and penalties to stop violations and get relief for consumers. A state attorney general could sue in federal court if at least 1,000 residents are harmed or threatened. The AG would usually notify the FTC first, and the FTC could join or pause a separate state case while it is suing.

What counts as sensitive data online

This bill would define sensitive information that websites must disclose in the summary and graphic. Examples include health and biometric data, precise location, Social Security numbers, race or religion, messages, device audio or video, bank and card numbers, and cross‑site browsing history. It would also define a third party as anyone a site shares sensitive data with who is not the site itself, an affiliate, or a service provider.

Small businesses exempt from terms-of-service rules

The rules would cover commercial websites and online services, but not a “small business concern” under federal law (15 U.S.C. 632). If your business qualifies as a small business, these new terms and disclosure rules would not apply. Larger businesses would need to follow the rules once issued.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]

MA • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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