Sammy’s Law

This bill would require large social media platforms to allow third-party safety software providers to monitor and manage the accounts of users under the age of 17 with the permission of the child or their guardian. These software providers would be authorized to access user data and manage account settings to identify risks such as suicide, sexual abuse, or harassment, and would be permitted to share necessary information with parents or guardians when such harms are detected. To participate, software providers must register with the Federal Trade Commission and meet specific security and residency requirements to ensure data is used solely for child protection.

This bill affects large social media platforms that have more than 100 million monthly global active users or generate over $1 billion in annual gross revenue. It also impacts children under the age of 17 and their parents or guardians, who may authorize third-party safety software providers to monitor and manage platform activity. Additionally, the legislation applies to safety software providers, which must register with the Federal Trade Commission and meet specific security and operational requirements to participate.

• Access for third-party safety software. Large social media platforms must provide a mechanism for children under 17 or their guardians to authorize safety software providers to manage account settings and monitor user data.
• Safety software provider registration and security requirements. To participate, software providers must register with the Federal Trade Commission, undergo security reviews, and be based in the United States.
• Data disclosure limitations and harm alerts. Software providers may only disclose a child's data to parents or guardians when necessary to address foreseeable risks of harm, such as suicide, eating disorders, sexual abuse, or harassment.
• Criteria for regulated social media platforms. The requirements apply to internet services with over 100 million monthly active users or $1 billion in annual revenue that allow children to share content with other users.

The bill establishes new requirements for large social media platforms to integrate with third-party safety software and mandates that these software providers register with the Federal Trade Commission to ensure compliance with security and data usage standards.

The bill aims to enhance the safety of children under age 17 on large social media platforms by requiring these services to allow third-party safety software to monitor and manage a child's account activity and data. This mechanism is intended to identify and alert parents or guardians when a child is experiencing or at risk of specific harms, such as suicide, sexual abuse, harassment, or eating disorders.