SCREEN Act

This bill would require commercial websites and interactive computer services that host content harmful to minors to implement age-verification technology to prevent children from accessing such material. Covered services would be required to verify a user's age, publish their verification procedures, and apply these measures to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, including those using virtual private networks (VPNs). Additionally, the bill proposes data security standards for information collected during verification and mandates that the Federal Trade Commission conduct regular audits and enforce these requirements.

This bill affects commercial interactive computer services, such as websites, that provide content considered harmful to minors, including obscene material or child pornography. Minors are affected by new restrictions designed to prevent their access to such content, while adult users of these services must undergo age-verification processes, including IP address and VPN screening. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission is tasked with conducting audits, issuing guidance, and enforcing these new regulatory requirements.

• Age-verification requirements for harmful content. Commercial interactive computer services must implement technology verification measures to ensure users are not minors before allowing access to content deemed harmful to minors, such as obscene material or child pornography.
• Mandatory verification of user location and IP addresses. Services are required to apply age-verification measures to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, including those from virtual proxy networks (VPNs), unless it is determined the user is located outside of the United States.
• Data security and transparency standards. Covered services must publish their specific age-verification processes and implement data security measures to protect any personal information collected during the verification procedure.
• FTC oversight and enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with conducting regular audits of covered services, issuing formal guidance, and enforcing compliance with the bill's requirements.

The bill grants the Federal Trade Commission new oversight and enforcement authority to audit commercial interactive computer services and issue guidance regarding age-verification compliance.

The bill aims to protect minors from accessing harmful online content, such as obscene materials or child pornography, by requiring commercial interactive computer services to implement age-verification technologies. It establishes standards for verifying user ages, securing collected data, and ensuring compliance through Federal Trade Commission oversight.