Bill · H.R. 10337· House(119-HR-10337)
16 & Up Social Media Act
- Introduced
- 9/10/2026
- Last activity
- 9/10/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Erin Houchin
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the 16 & Up Social Media Act, stops certain internet platforms from letting anyone under the age of 16 create or keep an account. Covered platforms must clear out existing accounts belonging to these young users within a specific timeline and delete their personal data. Platforms must also set up a clear appeal process so users can challenge an age decision. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general are given the power to enforce these rules and handle violations. Overall, the legislation aims to restrict underage access to specific online platforms using engagement features.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+8
The legislation imposes strict rules and account prohibitions on covered internet platforms regarding users under the age of 16.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+7
The bill mandates the immediate deletion of personal data for terminated underage accounts and restricts data use during age verification appeals.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+6
The bill enhances consumer protection by requiring platforms to delete personal data of underage users and providing mechanisms for data access and appeals.
The opposite
Would children be better off under this?-5
Individuals under the age of 16 are completely prohibited from creating or maintaining accounts on covered social media platforms.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Personal Data Deletion: Under Section 2(a)(3)(A), once an underage user's account is terminated, the platform must immediately delete all personal data collected or submitted by that user, which helps protect young peoples' private information from lingering online.
-
Access to Data Copies: Section 2(a)(3)(B) ensures that terminated users can still request a copy of their personal data in a readable, machine-friendly format for up to 90 days after their account is closed.
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Clear Appeal Process: Section 2(a)(4) requires platforms to set up a simple review process so people can appeal if they are mistakenly flagged as being under 16, and it limits the data collected during this review strictly to age verification.
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State-Level Enforcement and Compensation: Section 2(c)(1) lets state attorneys general bring civil actions on behalf of state residents to obtain damages, restitution, or other compensation if people are harmed by a violation of this Act.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Loss of Account Access: Under Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(a)(2), individuals under the age of 16 are completely prohibited from creating or maintaining accounts on covered platforms, and existing accounts must be terminated.
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Strict Limits on Data Retention: Section 2(a)(4)(D) prohibits platforms from using any personal data or evidence submitted during an appeal for any purpose other than verifying age, meaning users cannot reuse that data for other account-related needs once the process concludes.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+8Improves Data Privacy+7
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Young Adults+4Good For Children-5
- 9/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts