Safer Guarding of Adolescents from Malicious Interactions on Network Games Act; Safer GAMING Act
Summary
The Safer GAMING Act aims to protect minors using online video games by requiring providers to implement safeguards. These safeguards would allow parents to limit communication between their children and other users. The bill mandates that these features be enabled by default and easily accessible.
Expected Effects
The Act would require online video game providers to implement parental control features. These features would restrict communication between minors and other users. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for enforcing the Act, and state attorneys general could also bring civil actions.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection for minors from potentially harmful interactions in online games.
- Empowerment of parents to manage their children's online interactions.
- Standardized safety measures across online video game platforms.
- Increased accountability for online video game providers regarding child safety.
- Potential reduction in online harassment and exploitation of minors.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential burden on online video game providers to implement and maintain the required safeguards.
- Possible circumvention of parental controls by tech-savvy minors.
- Risk of over-regulation stifling innovation in the online gaming industry.
- Potential for increased costs for online video game services, passed on to consumers.
- Possible preemption of state laws related to online safety.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on regulating online interactions could be viewed under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as it involves interstate commerce. The preemption clause (Section e) aligns with the Supremacy Clause (Article VI), where federal law supersedes state law when conflicts arise. However, concerns might arise regarding the First Amendment if the safeguards unduly restrict freedom of speech, although the focus on minors and parental control may mitigate these concerns.
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).