This bill, known as the Kids Off Social Media Act, restricts social media platforms from allowing users under 13 to create accounts and requires them to delete existing accounts for children they identify. It also limits how platforms use personal data to recommend content to children and teens, prohibiting personalized algorithms except for basic factors like device type and location. The second part of the bill updates existing federal rules to require schools receiving discounted internet subsidies to block student access to social media platforms and submit annual compliance certifications. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general are authorized to enforce these provisions through civil actions and penalties.
This bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online platform for taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. It requires the Treasury Department to create a user-friendly system that uses IRS data to simplify the process, offers customer support, and is available in multiple languages and on mobile devices. The legislation also prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that would limit its ability to provide these tax preparation and filing services. Additionally, the bill allows eligible states to integrate their state tax filing with the federal system and provides funding to states that meet certain standards for doing so.
This bill would create Lending.gov, a centralized online platform designed to streamline how federal agencies manage and process loans. It requires agencies administering federal credit programs to migrate their loan management systems to this shared platform within three years, with exceptions allowed for smaller loan programs. The platform would use modern commercial technology to handle applications, underwriting, and servicing, aiming to reduce costs, prevent fraud, and improve transparency for borrowers. A designated provider agency would operate the system, collect fees to cover maintenance costs, and report performance metrics to ensure agencies remain satisfied with the service.
This bill, titled Sammy's Law, requires large social media platforms with over 100 million monthly users or $1 billion in annual revenue to provide real-time access to third-party safety software providers. These platforms must create application programming interfaces that allow children under 17 or their parents to delegate control over the child's online interactions, content, and account settings to approved safety software providers. The third-party providers must register with the Federal Trade Commission, agree not to sell user data, and delete data within five days after a delegation ends. The bill also prohibits states from creating their own conflicting regulations on this matter and gives the FTC authority to enforce compliance.
This bill authorizes the creation of Lending.gov, a centralized online platform designed to streamline access to loans offered by various federal agencies. It requires agencies to migrate their loan management systems to this shared platform within three years, aiming to reduce costs, prevent fraud, and improve the speed and transparency of federal lending. The platform will be operated by a designated provider using modern commercial technology, with oversight from the General Services Administration and performance monitoring through regular surveys and public reporting.
HR 1619, the "No Funds for Fascists Act," blocks U.S. foreign assistance to any country the Secretary of State determines abridges or censors speech protected under the U.S. Constitution. It specifically prohibits funding for governments that censor protected speech or pressure "covered platforms" (including social media, news outlets, and broadcast media) to censor such speech. The bill requires the Secretary of State to publish determinations in the Federal Register and allows presidential waivers for national security reasons, but only after consulting Congress and submitting a detailed report. This policy directly affects foreign governments meeting the censorship criteria, not U.S. citizens or domestic entities.
HR 4894, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025, prohibits the intentional spread of false information about voting procedures, eligibility, or penalties within 60 days of an election. The bill specifically targets deceptive communications through social media, text messages, and AI-generated content designed to prevent voters from casting ballots, including false claims about voting locations, registration status, or legal consequences. It creates a private right of action for individuals harmed by these deceptive practices and authorizes the Attorney General to issue corrective information to counter false claims. The law directly affects voters, election officials, social media platforms, and anyone spreading false voting information, with penalties including fines and imprisonment for violations.
HR 5967 establishes a federal task force led by the FTC and DOJ to combat scams. The task force, including agencies like the FBI, SEC, and Social Security Administration, will develop a national strategy using existing tools such as the Consumer Sentinel Network and Internet Crime Complaint Center. Key actions include public education, coordination with industry (like banks and social media platforms), and enforcement using current laws against fraud and money laundering. The task force must report to Congress within one year and dissolve after 10 years.
HR 5681, the STOP HATE Act of 2025, requires major social media companies (defined as platforms with 25 million+ U.S. monthly users) to publish clear terms of service addressing content from foreign terrorist organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. It mandates quarterly reports to the Attorney General detailing how these platforms handle flagged content - including removals, demonetization, user bans, and appeal outcomes - broken down by content type, media format, and reporting method. Companies face daily civil penalties of up to $5 million for failing to publish terms, submit reports, or provide accurate data. The law expires after five years and includes a First Amendment protection clause, ensuring it does not infringe on free speech rights.
This bill repeals the law that banned TikTok on national security grounds, restoring the app's availability on U.S. app stores. It directly affects TikTok and its users by removing the legal restriction preventing app stores from offering the platform. The key provision nullifies all prior designations of TikTok as a security risk under the repealed law, making those bans legally ineffective retroactively.
