Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act

# Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would strengthen federal protections for children and teenagers online by updating existing privacy rules. It would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) greater authority to regulate how social media platforms, websites, and apps collect, use, and share personal data from young users. The bill aims to prevent practices like manipulative features designed to be addictive, unauthorized data sales to third parties, and use of personal information for targeted advertising without proper safeguards. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions:** The law would primarily affect social media companies, tech platforms, and apps that collect data from users under 18. It would allow parents and teens to request deletion of personal information, require companies to conduct privacy and security assessments, and impose penalties on companies that violate the rules.

The bill also gives states and consumers the ability to sue companies for violations, creating stronger enforcement mechanisms than previously existed. **Current Status:** The bill passed the Senate (S 836 in the 119th Congress) and is now moving through the legislative process. It still needs to be considered by the House before it can become law. The proposal has broad bipartisan support focused on child safety, though tech companies have raised concerns about compliance costs and operational impacts.