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?

Congress has passed several bills to protect minors from online pornographic content, but most have been struck down by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has suggested using blocking and filtering software, but this technology has proven ineffective. Many minors have been exposed to online pornography, which can cause psychological effects such as anxiety and addiction. Congress has a compelling government interest to protect the physical and psychological well-being of minors. Age verification technology is now available as a potential solution to shield minors from online pornographic content.

What does DEFINITIONS. of SCREEN Act do?

This section defines key terms for the Act. Definitions include 'child pornography', 'minor', 'Commission', 'covered platform', and 'harmful to minors'. A 'covered platform' is an entity that creates, hosts, or makes available content harmful to minors with the objective of earning a profit. The term 'harmful to minors' refers to content that appeals to prurient interest, depicts sexual acts, or lacks serious value for minors. Technology verification measures are defined as technology that determines whether a user is a minor and prevents access to certain content.

What does TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION MEASURES. of SCREEN Act do?

This section establishes technology verification measures for covered platforms. Covered platforms must implement measures to ensure users are not minors and prevent minors from accessing harmful content, starting one year after enactment. Age verification measures must include verifying a user's age and publicly disclosing the verification process. All user IP addresses, unless the user is determined to be outside the United States, must be subject to verification. Platforms can choose specific verification measures, provided they meet the outlined requirements and prohibit access to obscene, child pornography, or harmful content for minors. Platforms may contract with third parties to implement these measures, but remain responsible for compliance. The section clarifies that platforms are not required to submit user-identifying information to the Commission. Platforms must implement reasonable data security measures to protect technology verification measure data and retain it only as long as 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 possessing expertise in various fields. These fields include computer science, software engineering, and online child safety advocacy. Consultation is also required with individuals experienced in consumer protection, online privacy, and data security. Individuals with expertise in technology verification measures are also to be consulted.

What does COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS. of SCREEN Act do?

The Commission shall conduct regular audits of covered platforms The Commission must make public the terms and processes for audits Covered platforms must submit necessary documents for compliance audits The Commission shall issue guidance to assist covered platforms within 180 days Guidance issued by the Commission does not confer rights or bind the Commission

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, jurisdiction, powers, and duties as the Federal Trade Commission Act. Individuals violating section 4 are subject to penalties and entitled to privileges and immunities outlined 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?

The Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress within 2 years. The report analyzes technology verification measures and compliance rates. The report includes analysis of data security and effects of verification measures.

What does SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. of SCREEN Act do?

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

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SCREEN Act

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

Author: Mike Lee (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

The SCREEN Act requires interactive computer services that profit from content harmful to minors to implement technology that verifies users' ages and prevents minors' access to such content.
The bill establishes a Commission that will conduct regular audits of covered platforms to ensure compliance with age verification requirements and issue guidance to assist them.
Violations of the Act will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, allowing the Commission to enforce the law using existing FTC authorities and penalties.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 1623(In Committee)Official page

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

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