Bill · H.R. 2889· House(119-HR-2889)
Online Consumer Protection Act
- Introduced
- 4/10/2025
- Last activity
- 4/10/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Janice Schakowsky
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Online Consumer Protection Act aims to ensure that social media platforms and online marketplaces maintain clear and accessible terms of service. It requires these platforms to establish comprehensive consumer protection policies regarding content moderation and user behavior. Companies must also implement specific consumer protection programs to mitigate risks like cyber harassment and ensure legal compliance. The bill mandates annual filings to the Federal Trade Commission to maintain transparency and accountability. Furthermore, it empowers the FTC and State Attorneys General to enforce these rules against violators. Finally, it provides individuals with a private right of action to seek damages for violations.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+8
The bill significantly enhances consumer protections by mandating transparent terms of service and providing a private right of action.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+6
The bill increases regulation on social media platforms and online marketplaces regarding their terms of service and consumer safety.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands the enforcement authority of the FTC and allows for federal oversight of digital terms of service.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The bill imposes new regulatory and compliance costs on digital marketplace owners and social media operators.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The bill may impose compliance burdens and annual filing requirements on smaller entities with over $250,000 in revenue.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency of Rules: Social media and marketplaces must provide terms of service that are clear, easily understood, and written in plain language (Section 2(a)).
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Improved Content Moderation Clarity: Platforms must clearly describe what content or behavior is allowed or prohibited, as well as the grounds for removing content or terminating service (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Clearer Recourse for Users: The bill requires platforms to explain how users can appeal decisions regarding content removal or service termination (Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(b)(2)).
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Protection Against Cyber Harassment: Social media platforms must include descriptions of tools and support available to users experiencing cyber harassment (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Enhanced Marketplace Safety: Online marketplaces must disclose whether users will be notified about dangerous or recalled products (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Empowerment of Consumer Rights: Individuals gain the right to bring civil actions for actual damages and can bypass pre-dispute arbitration agreements that would otherwise prevent them from seeking justice (Section 4(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Compliance Costs: The bill notes that the implementation of consumer protection programs should take into consideration the cost of implementing such programs (Section 3(a)(2)).
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Burden on Smaller Entities: While the law applies to various entities, specific annual filing requirements apply to any platform or marketplace with annual revenue exceeding $250,000 or more than 10,000 monthly active users (Section 3(c)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+8Improves Small Business Support-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Business Owners-3
- 4/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Kathy CastorDemocrat · Florida