Parents Over Platforms Act
Sponsored By: Representative Auchincloss
In Committee
Summary
A federal age-assurance standard for apps and websites that would force app stores and developers to verify user age, curb personalized ads to minors, limit age-signal data sharing, and give parents control tools. It sets national rules for how age is checked and shared across the mobile ecosystem.
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- Families and parents: Parents would get tools through app distributors to block non‑adults from acquiring or using apps and to see an app’s privacy and safety settings. Developers must obtain parental consent before minors access content the developer marks as unsuitable.
- Minors and children: The bill would ban personalized advertising to minors and restrict using age signals to infer birth dates or to target kids. Apps must prevent minors from performing activities restricted to adults.
- Developers and app stores: App distribution providers would have to ask account holders their age, use commercially reasonable methods to get an Age Category, and provide an Age Signal to developers who agree. Developers must limit the age data they request and may only share it with service providers needed to implement safety features.
- Enforcement and scope: Violations would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission under unfair or deceptive practices rules. The bill would preempt state or local laws and take effect within 24 months of enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
App makers must check ages, limit data
App makers would need to find out if a user is a minor or an adult with reasonable certainty. They would try to stop minors from doing adult‑only actions and get a parent’s OK for certain features. They would share privacy and safety setting info for parents, unless the app is only for adults and blocks minors. They could collect only the minimum age info needed, and could not share or reuse it beyond safety needs or legal requirements.
App stores add age checks and controls
App stores would ask your age when you create an account. Parents would be able to block minors from getting or using covered apps. Developers would get a way to check a user’s age category, but only if the user or a parent agrees to share it. Stores would host clear pages about each app’s parental controls. They could not use compliance data from other apps to favor their own apps.
Nationwide rules and federal enforcement
The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these rules using its normal tools. States and cities would not be able to enforce different laws on the same topics. App stores and operating systems would have some legal protection if they try to comply in good faith and face issues with age signals. This would set one national standard and a clear enforcement path.
Who is covered and when it starts
The bill would set who is covered. A covered app or website is one that treats adults and minors differently; browsers and search engines are not covered. An adult is 18 or older; a minor is under 18. If enacted, all rules would start no later than 24 months after enactment.
No targeted ads to kids
Developers would be banned from showing personalized, cross‑site ads to minors on covered apps and websites. Ads could still be based on the page’s context or within the developer’s own apps. This could cut tracking of kids across apps and sites.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Auchincloss
MA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
IN • R
Sponsored 12/1/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov