Sen. Husted Introduces Sammy’s Law to Give Parents Better Social Media Safety Tools
Sammy’s Law is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for review. The bill is actively moving forward as it waits for the committee to discuss it.
The bill creates a new market for third-party child safety software providers, opening business opportunities for entrepreneurs and tech companies. However, the registration, annual auditing, and strict data handling requirements represent significant compliance costs that could be a barrier for smaller firms. Companies must register with the FTC, undergo independent audits yearly, and follow strict data deletion timelines.
“the third-party safety software provider shall retain the services of a qualified independent auditing firm to complete an annual audit and write an audit report”
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Senators Katie Britt, Jon Husted, and Mark Warner introduced Sammy’s Law, which requires large social media platforms to allow FTC-regulated third-party safety software access to real-time data via APIs. The goal is to alert parents to risks like suicidal ideation, drugs, or sexual exploitation.
Sen. Mark Warner is co-leading 'Sammy’s Law,' a bill requiring platforms with over 100 million users or $1 billion in revenue to provide technical access for safety software. These third-party tools would alert parents to concerning behaviors like cyberbullying and eating disorders.
The proposal known as 'Sammy’s Law' would require social media companies to give parents more insight into platform use. It mandates real-time API access for outside safety tools to monitor for warning signs such as messages tied to suicidal thoughts, drug sales, or sexual harassment.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Sammy’s Law
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