Bill · H.R. 859· House(119-HR-859)
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
- Introduced
- 1/31/2025
- Last activity
- 4/30/2025 — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
- Sponsored by
- Russ Fulcher
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Awaiting Senate
- On Senate calendar
What this bill would do
The "Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act" requires manufacturers of certain internet-connected devices to disclose if they contain a camera or microphone. This disclosure must be made clearly and conspicuously before a consumer makes a purchase. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with enforcing these requirements and providing guidance to manufacturers. Certain devices, like telephones, laptops, and tablets, are excluded from these requirements. The Act establishes specific penalties and enforcement powers through the Federal Trade Commission Act. These rules apply to devices manufactured after a specific timeframe following the issuance of Commission guidance.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+5
Enhanced disclosure of recording hardware helps protect consumer privacy expectations.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
The act enhances consumer protection by requiring clear disclosure of recording capabilities in smart devices.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+4
Requiring disclosure of camera/mic capabilities enhances individual privacy and data awareness.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
Manufacturers may face increased compliance costs and administrative burdens.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to passPassed 415–9
The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not.
04/29/2025 · Roll call 109 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Consumer Awareness: Manufacturers must disclose whether a device contains a camera or microphone clearly and conspicuously prior to purchase, which helps consumers know what they are buying (Section 2).
-
Standardized Guidance: The Federal Trade Commission will issue guidance to help manufacturers understand best practices for disclosures, including the use of visual representations to make information clear and age appropriate (Section 3(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
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
- Improves Data Privacy+4Increases Big Tech Regulation+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+5Increases Federal Power+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+2Good For Business Owners-2
- 4/30/2025
- Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
- 4/29/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1710-1711)
- 4/28/2025
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 859.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1666)
- Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 4/24/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 49.
- 4/8/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 1/31/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts