Online Consumer Protection Act

Online Consumer Protection Act This bill requires social media platforms and online marketplaces to establish, maintain, and disclose terms of service that include a consumer protection policy. The terms must cover issues such as payment methods, content ownership, and policies related to sharing user content with third parties. Further, the consumer protection policy must address what content or products are permitted on the platform or marketplace and how content or products may be blocked, removed, or modified. The policy for social media platforms also must describe the tools and support available to users who have experienced cyber harassment. Social media platforms and online marketplaces must develop and implement a consumer protection program to maintain compliance with the terms of service, consumer protection policies, and consumer protection laws. Platforms and marketplaces with annual revenues that exceeded $250,000 in the prior year or more than 10,000 active monthly users on average in the prior year also must submit to the Federal Trade Commission annual filings with respect to the requirements of this bill. The bill provides for enforcement by the commission, state attorneys general, and private civil action.

Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS).