Mandatory Parental Controls for Child Communication in Online Video Games.
This law requires online video game providers to implement default safeguards allowing parents to control and limit communication between their minor children (under 18) and other users. These protections must be easy to use and automatically enabled on the minor's account, and only the parent can disable them. The goal is to shield minors from harmful interactions in networked games.
Key points
Increased Parental Authority: Parents gain the power to restrict their children's communication with all other users in interactive online video games.
Safety by Default: Communication limiting features must be automatically enabled on accounts belonging to users under 18.
Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce compliance, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices.
Industry Deadline: Game providers have one year from enactment to implement these new safety requirements.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6265
Sponsor: Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]