All Roll Calls
Yes: 415 • No: 9
HR859119th CongressWALLET
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
Sponsored By: Representative Fulcher
Passed House
Summary
Requires clear pre‑purchase disclosure when an internet‑connected product contains a camera or microphone. It would require manufacturers to tell buyers, before purchase, whether a covered device includes those sensors and would direct the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the requirement and issue compliance guidance.
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- Consumers and families: Buyers would see a clear notice before purchase about the presence of a camera or microphone, helping parents and privacy‑minded shoppers make quicker choices.
- Manufacturers: Makers of covered internet‑connected devices would have to disclose clearly and conspicuously that a device contains a camera or microphone before sale. Manufacturers may petition the Commission for tailored guidance on how to comply.
- Regulators and timing: The Federal Trade Commission would treat violations as unfair or deceptive acts under the FTC Act and could seek the penalties that law allows. The FTC must issue guidance within 180 days after enactment and the disclosure requirement would apply to devices manufactured after 180 days following that guidance.
- Scope limits: The rule excludes phones, laptops, tablets, devices consumers would reasonably expect to have a camera or microphone, and devices marketed specifically as cameras or microphones.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clear camera and mic labels on devices
If enacted, makers of many internet-connected products would have to clearly tell you before purchase if they include a camera or microphone. This would not cover phones, laptops, tablets, devices you would expect to have these features, products marketed as cameras or microphones, or certain devices covered by the Communications Act. The FTC would issue guidance within 180 days of enactment on clear, age-appropriate labels, including use of simple icons. The rule would apply only to covered devices made after 180 days following that FTC guidance; earlier devices would not be covered. The FTC would enforce violations as unfair or deceptive acts. Makers could ask the FTC for tailored guidance, but guidance alone would not be the basis for an enforcement case.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Fulcher
ID • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
MA • D
Sponsored 1/31/2025
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 4/29/2025
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Yes: 415 • No: 9