Congress bans under-16s from social media—but leaves age verification to platforms
H.R. 6488 — RESET Act · Filed by Erin Houchin (R-IN) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Dec 5, 2025 · Markup held
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What it does
This bill prohibits social media platforms from allowing anyone under 16 to create or maintain an account. Platforms must identify and terminate existing minor accounts within 180 days, delete all personal data collected from those minors, and allow minors a 90-day window to download their data before deletion. The FTC enforces violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and states can sue on behalf of residents.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core mechanism is a blanket prohibition on minors under 16 accessing covered platforms, enforced through account termination and data deletion. This is a direct regulatory restriction on platform business models and minor user access, not a privacy framework or transparency measure.
What the text implies
- The bill defines 'covered platform' by cross-reference to the TAKE IT DOWN Act (Public Law 119–12), which is not provided in this text. The scope of platforms affected is therefore opaque to readers of this bill alone.
- Platforms must delete all personal data 'immediately' upon account termination, but minors have 90 days to request a copy. The interaction between immediate deletion and the 90-day access window is mechanically unclear—platforms may interpret this as requiring data retention for 90 days despite the deletion mandate.
The full analysis lists 5 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
Age verification technology vendors; Data deletion/compliance software providers; Platforms with older user demographics (Facebook, LinkedIn, news sites)