What does Preamble of SCREEN Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require certain interactive computer services to adopt and operate technology verification measures to ensure that users of the platform are not minors, and for other purposes,' aims to require interactive computer services to implement technology to verify user age. The bill's stated purpose is to ensure that users of interactive computer platforms are not minors.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SCREEN Act do?

This bill is formally titled the ``Shielding Children's Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net Act'' or the ``SCREEN Act''.

What does FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. of SCREEN Act do?

This section outlines findings related to Congress's past attempts to protect minors from online pornography and the subsequent legal challenges. The Supreme Court has previously struck down Congressional efforts, finding them not to be the least restrictive means to achieve a compelling government interest. Blocking and filtering software, initially suggested as an alternative, has proven ineffective, with filters failing on a significant portion of pornography sites. A relatively small percentage of parents currently utilize blocking or filtering software for their children's online activities. Several states have recognized pornography as a public health hazard. A significant percentage of minors have been exposed to pornography, with the internet being the primary source. Exposure to online pornography is linked to various psychological effects in minors. Congress recognizes a compelling interest in protecting the physical and psychological well-being of minors. Due to the ineffectiveness of previous measures, Congress believes alternative policies are needed to protect minors. The section expresses the sense of Congress that shielding minors from online pornography is a compelling government interest and that requiring age verification measures is the least restrictive means to achieve this.

What does DEFINITIONS. of SCREEN Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Child pornography” and “minor” are defined by reference to section 2256 of title 18, United States Code. The “Commission” is defined as the Federal Trade Commission. A “covered platform” is an interactive computer service engaged in interstate commerce or purposefully availing itself of the U.S. market, which hosts content harmful to minors with the objective of earning a profit, regardless of whether that is the sole source of income. “Harmful to minors” refers to visual depictions that appeal to prurient interests, depict sexual acts in a patently offensive way, lack serious value for minors, or are considered obscene or child pornography. “Information content provider” and “interactive computer service” are defined by section 230(f) of the Communications Act of 1934. “Sexual act” and “sexual contact” are defined by section 2246 of title 18, United States Code. A “technology verification measure” is technology that determines if a user is likely a minor and prevents minors' access to content. “Technology verification measure data” is information collected or processed to fulfill individual access requests and solely for utilizing technology verification measures.

What does TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION MEASURES. of SCREEN Act do?

This section establishes technology verification measures for covered platforms. These measures must ensure users are not minors and prevent minors from accessing harmful content. Age verification must utilize technology and cannot be satisfied by a user's self-declaration of age. Covered platforms must publicly disclose their verification processes. All user IP addresses, unless the user is determined to be outside the United States, must be subject to age verification. Platforms can choose specific verification measures, provided they meet the outlined requirements. Platforms may contract with third parties to implement these measures, but remain responsible for compliance. The section prohibits requiring platforms to submit user-identifying information to the Commission. Platforms must implement reasonable data security measures to protect technology verification data. Technology verification data must be retained only as long as reasonably necessary.

What does CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS. of SCREEN Act do?

This section outlines consultation requirements for the Commission when enforcing requirements under section 4. The Commission must consult with individuals experienced in computer science and software engineering. Consultation is also required with individuals experienced in advocating for online child safety or providing services to victims of online child exploitation. Individuals with experience in consumer protection and online privacy must be consulted. The Commission must consult with those who supply technology verification measure products or have expertise in such solutions. Consultation is also mandated with individuals experienced in data security and cryptography.

What does COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS. of SCREEN Act do?

This section establishes requirements for a Commission. The Commission must conduct regular audits of covered platforms to ensure compliance with section 4. The Commission is required to make public the terms and processes for these audits. Covered platforms must submit only necessary documents for audits. The Commission will prescribe measures to demonstrate compliance with section 4. The Commission must issue guidance to covered platforms within 180 days of the Act's enactment to assist with compliance with section 4. The guidance issued by the Commission does not create rights or bind the Commission or any person.

What does ENFORCEMENT. of SCREEN Act do?

This section establishes enforcement mechanisms for violations of section 4. Violations of section 4 are treated as violations of an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Commission is authorized to enforce section 4 using the same methods and with the same jurisdiction as the Federal Trade Commission Act. Individuals violating section 4 are subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act. This Act does not limit the Commission's authority under other laws.

What does GAO REPORT. of SCREEN Act do?

This section requires the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress. The report is due within two years of when covered platforms must comply with section 4(a). The report must include an analysis of the effectiveness of technology verification measures. It also requires an analysis of compliance rates among covered platforms. The report must analyze data security measures used in age verification. An analysis of behavioral, economic, psychological, and societal effects of implementing technology verification measures is required. The report must include recommendations to the Commission on improving enforcement of section 4(a). Finally, the report must include recommendations to Congress on potential legislative improvements to the Act.

What does SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. of SCREEN Act do?

This section establishes a severability clause. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still apply. The application of the Act to other persons or circumstances will not be affected by a finding of unconstitutionality.

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SCREEN Act

Last updated: 12/11/2025 · Introduced: 2/26/2025

Author: Mary Miller (R-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

The SCREEN Act requires interactive computer services that host content harmful to minors to implement technology verification measures to prevent minors' access.
Age verification must be conducted through technology, not self-declaration, and platforms must publicly disclose their verification processes.
Covered platforms are responsible for ensuring compliance with age verification requirements, even when using third-party vendors.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will conduct regular audits of covered platforms to ensure compliance and issue guidance to assist with implementation.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will analyze the effectiveness and societal impacts of these measures and provide recommendations for improvement to the FTC and Congress.

119th Congressin committeeS. 737(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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