Bill · S. 4741· Senate(119-S-4741)
SAFE for Kids Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/10/2026
- Last activity
- 6/10/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Jim Banks
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "SAFE for Kids Act of 2026" requires specific commercial entities that distribute a high volume of sexual material harmful to minors to use age verification methods. These entities must ensure individuals are not minors by requiring digital identification or using a commercial age verification system. The law prohibits these entities or their third-party contractors from selling or keeping the collected information. Enforcement is handled by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, with potential civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, individuals or guardians can sue covered entities for violations.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would children be better off under this?+8
Aims to protect minors from accessing harmful sexual material.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+6
Increases regulatory requirements for social media platforms and other commercial entities.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+5
Strictly prohibits the retention or sale of identification data used for age verification.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would business owners be better off under this?-7
Threatens business owners with significant fines and prison time for non-compliance.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-4
Implements a federal standard that may override varying state-level age verification laws.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-4
Imposes strict compliance requirements and severe legal penalties on certain commercial entities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Minors: The bill requires covered commercial entities to prevent minors from accessing sexual material harmful to minors, which aims to shield children from such content. (Section 3(a)(1))
-
Privacy Protections: To protect user data, the bill states that covered commercial entities or third parties cannot sell or keep the information collected for age verification. (Section 3(c))
-
Legal Recourse for Families: Parents or legal guardians of minors have the right to bring civil actions against entities that violate the act, allowing them to seek damages and attorney's fees. (Section 5(c))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Requirement of Sensitive Data: To access content, adults must provide digital identification or use a commercial age verification system, which may include providing government-issued identification or transactional data. (Section 2(1) and Section 3(a)(2))
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Severe Penalties for Business Owners: Officers, directors, or employees of covered entities could face up to 5 years in prison and heavy fines for knowing violations of the act. (Section 2(4)(B) and Section 5(b)(2))
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+6Improves Data Privacy+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+4Increases Federal Power+4Increase States Rights-4Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+8Good For Business Owners-7
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+3Improves Small Business Support-4
- 6/10/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Bernie MorenoRepublican · Ohio