RESET Act

Summary#

The RESET Act would stop certain covered online platforms from allowing people under 16 to create or keep an account or profile if the platform knows the person is a minor. Platforms must: identify accounts they know are minors within 60 days after the law starts; notify those users within 180 days that the account will be terminated; and delete the account within 30 days after notice. After termination, platforms must immediately delete a minor's personal data, but must let the terminated minor request a copy of their data within 90 days. Platforms must provide the data in a readable form and in a portable, machine-readable format and must fulfill that request within 45 days. Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with the same powers and penalties the FTC has under existing law. State attorneys general or state agencies can sue on behalf of their residents, but must notify the FTC and the FTC may intervene. If the FTC or the U.S. Attorney General brings a federal action, states generally may not bring overlapping actions while that federal action is pending. The section takes effect one year after enactment. Definitions in the bill say a "minor" is under age 16, "covered platform" uses the definition from the TAKE IT DOWN Act, "know" means actual knowledge or willful disregard, and "personal data" refers to the COPPA definition.

What it means for you#

• If you are under 16: the covered platform may not let you create or keep an account the platform knows is yours. Existing accounts that the platform knows belong to minors would be removed on the timeline above.
• If your account is terminated: you can request a copy of your personal data within 90 days after termination, and the platform must give it to you in readable and machine-readable formats within 45 days of your request.
• If you run or work for a covered platform: you must identify, notify, terminate, and delete data according to the bill's deadlines and formats; the FTC can enforce the rules and states can bring civil actions in many cases.
• Timing and scope: the rules start one year after the bill becomes law and apply to "covered platforms" as defined by the referenced TAKE IT DOWN Act.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on the bill's estimated costs to the federal government, states, covered platforms, or users is included in the provided text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.