Sammy’s Law

Empowerment of Parents and Guardians: The bill intends to empower parents and legal guardians to use third-party services to protect their children from various digital harms (Section 2).

Protection from Specific Harms: The bill aims to protect children from dangers including cyberbullying, human trafficking, illegal drug distribution, sexual harassment, and violence (Section 2).

Granular Management of Online Presence: Through third-party software, users can manage online interactions, content, and account settings, including optimizing privacy, age, and marketing settings (Section 4(a)(1)(A) and Section 4(a)(5)).

Secure Data Transfers: Large social media platforms are required to establish reasonable policies and procedures to ensure the secure transfer of user data to safety providers (Section 4(a)(3)).

Safety-Based Data Disclosure: Third-party providers are permitted to disclose user data to parents or guardians to inform them of specific risks such as suicide, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, violence, substance abuse, or sexual abuse (Section 4(f)(1)(C)).

Data Privacy Risks: While the bill mandates security, it involves the transfer of user data from social media platforms to third-party providers, which requires reasonable policies to mitigate risks (Section 4(a)(3)).

Mandatory Data Deletion Requirements: Third-party safety software providers must delete user data quickly—no later than 14 days after receiving it—which could impact the continuity of services for some users (Section 3(b)(7) and Section 4(b)(1)(A)(vi)).

Stringent Requirements for Safety Providers: Third-party software providers face heavy burdens, including mandatory registration with the Commission, undergoing security reviews, and conducting annual independent audits (Section 4(b)(1) and Section 4(b)(2)).

Potential for Commission Intervention: The Federal Trade Commission has the authority to deny registration, suspend registration, or permanently de-register third-party providers based on various findings (Section 4(b)(3)).