Congress mandates algorithmic transparency and choice for minors online

What it does

This bill requires online platforms to disclose how their recommendation algorithms work to minors (under 18) and give minors control over those systems. Platforms must explain what data they collect, how it's used, and what the algorithm optimizes for. Minors get the right to switch to a simpler, non-personalized algorithm by default, limit recommendation categories, or modify their profile. The FTC enforces violations as unfair or deceptive practices. Platforms cannot be forced to reveal trade secrets or proprietary details.

Why we flagged it

The bill's operative mechanism is a disclosure and choice mandate protecting minors from opaque algorithmic manipulation. It is not a tax measure, subsidy, or deregulation; it is a straightforward consumer protection rule enforced by the FTC.

What the text implies

• Platforms may respond by degrading the non-personalized default algorithm's quality or user experience, creating pressure for minors to opt back into personalization despite the choice being available.
• The definition of 'input-transparent algorithm' permits use of data 'expressly provided' by the user, which includes approximate geolocation and saved preferences—platforms may still infer and optimize on these, narrowing the practical difference from personalized systems.
• Enforcement depends on FTC resources and prioritization; without adequate staffing or budget, violations may go undetected or unpunished, especially for smaller platforms or novel algorithmic techniques.
• The bill applies only to minors; platforms may use different algorithms for minors vs. adults, creating operational complexity and potential for misclassification or age-gating workarounds.
• Preemption of state laws (final section) prevents states from imposing stricter algorithmic transparency or choice requirements on minors, capping protections at the federal floor.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

Minors gain transparency into how platforms manipulate their attention and content exposure, plus concrete control mechanisms (opt-out, algorithm switching, profile modification). These are direct protections against algorithmic manipulation targeting a vulnerable population. The bill does not restrict minors' access to platforms or content; it restricts platforms' ability to use opaque personalization on minors without disclosure and choice.

Named in the bill

Federal Trade Commission (FTC), online platforms, social networks, video sharing services, minors (under 18)

Where it stands

• Nov 21, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Nov 21, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce · Congress.gov: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade”
• Dec 11, 2025 — Markup held in committee · Congress.gov: “Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Money around this bill

10 lobbying clients named this bill on 16 disclosure filings across 2 quarters, Dec 2025 to Jun 2026. Those filings disclosed $19,035,000 in lobbying spend. A filing names 28 bills on average, so that figure is what each filing reported, not a share belonging to this bill.

More lobbying clients named this bill than 91% of bills with at least one filing.

Kat Cammack, the sponsor, reported $799,000 in PAC receipts in the 2026 cycle.

• Google Client Services LLC — $6,920,000 on 2 filings
• Meta Platforms, Inc. and Various Subsidiaries — $5,990,000 on 1 filing
• American Association for Justice — $3,610,000 on 2 filings
• Cox Enterprises Inc. — $1,320,000 on 2 filings
• News Media Alliance — $475,000 on 1 filing

Lobbying Disclosure Act filings through Jul 20, 2026. A filing shows who paid to lobby on a bill it names, not what changed.