Safe Social Media Act
Summary
The Safe Social Media Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to conduct a study on social media use by individuals under 17. The study will examine data collection practices, algorithmic use of personal information, targeted advertising, usage frequency, age-related differences, mental health effects, and potential harms and benefits. A report with findings and policy recommendations must be submitted to Congress within three years.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to provide Congress with data-driven insights into the impact of social media on teenagers. This could lead to future legislation or regulatory actions aimed at protecting young users. The exemption from the Paperwork Reduction Act is intended to expedite the study process.
Potential Benefits
- Provides comprehensive data on social media's impact on teenagers.
- Informs potential policy changes to protect young users.
- Increases transparency regarding data collection and usage practices.
- Promotes collaboration between the FTC and HHS.
- Focuses on mental health effects, a critical aspect of social media use.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The study's findings may be delayed due to the three-year timeline.
- Potential for biased results depending on the study's methodology.
- No immediate protections are offered to teenagers during the study period.
- The Act does not guarantee any specific policy changes will be implemented.
- The definition of "social media platform" may be too broad or too narrow, potentially missing key platforms or including unintended services.
Constitutional Alignment
The Safe Social Media Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including activities on the internet. The First Amendment implications regarding freedom of speech need to be considered in any subsequent regulations arising from the study's findings. The Act itself does not directly infringe upon any constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).