119-HR-6291 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A bipartisan update to the 1998 children’s privacy law that would cover teens, ban targeted ads to minors, and give families more control over kids’ data while tightening rules for big social platforms.

What It Does

The bill amends COPPA to cover “children” and “teens” (over 12 and under 17). It bans individual-specific (targeted) advertising to minors; limits when companies can collect, use, or keep young people’s data; and requires reasonable security practices. Teens (and parents for younger kids) would gain rights to see, delete, and correct personal information, with an “eraser” option for content they submitted. It updates key definitions (like personal information and geolocation), clarifies what counts as a site or app directed to children, and lets schools contract with ed‑tech providers under strict safeguards. It also tells the FTC to study a common consent mechanism, requires annual enforcement reporting, and preempts state laws that conflict with the Act’s provisions. High‑impact social media companies face a tougher “knowledge” standard about whether a user is a minor, and operators must give notice if minors’ data are stored, transferred to, or accessed by entities in certain “covered nations.”

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Rep. Tim Walberg (R‑MI) and Rep. Laurel Lee (R‑FL) say the bill modernizes COPPA, bans targeted ads to minors, and gives parents and teens more control. [1]Rep. Tim Walberg (House press release) — Walberg and Lee Lead Effort to Protect…
• Senate allies advancing similar COPPA 2.0 legislation include Sens. Ed Markey (D‑MA) and Bill Cassidy (R‑LA). Child‑safety and medical groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and Common Sense Media have endorsed the Senate version’s aims (ban targeted ads, extend protections to teens, “eraser button”). [2]U.S. Senate (Sen. Bill Cassidy) — Cassidy, Markey Reintroduce COPPA 2.0 to Prot…
• The Senate companion (S.836) progressed in 2025, indicating bipartisan interest in the policy framework. [3]Congress.gov — All Info — S.836 (119th): Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Pro…

Who’s Against It

• Tech industry group NetChoice opposes COPPA 2.0/KOSA packages, arguing they create privacy and security risks, expand government power, and could lead to censorship or costly compliance burdens. [4]NetChoice — House Committee Should Reject Bills Full of False Promises to Ameri…
• Broader critics in the industry have raised similar objections in past debates over kids’ online bills, warning about unintended First Amendment and cybersecurity issues. [5]NetChoice — Children’s online safety bills clear Senate hurdle despite strong c…

What’s Next

Status: Introduced on November 25, 2025 and referred to the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Next typical steps are hearings, a committee markup, and a House floor vote; if passed, it would need to be reconciled with any Senate version. [1]Rep. Tim Walberg (House press release) — Walberg and Lee Lead Effort to Protect…[3]Congress.gov — All Info — S.836 (119th): Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Pro…