RESET Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
The RESET Act bans teens under 16 from creating or keeping social media accounts on covered platforms, with federal enforcement and account deletion required.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: parents worried about kids online, child safety advocates, mental health groups blaming social media for teen harm.
- Loses: teens under 16 losing accounts, platforms facing compliance costs, state laws on this topic (preempted).
What it does
- Platforms must identify minor accounts within 60 days of enactment.
- Users get notified within 180 days; accounts terminated 30 days later.
- Platforms must delete all personal data but let teens download it for 90 days.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces it as a deceptive practice; state attorneys general can also sue.
Why should I care?
Supporters say social media fuels teen anxiety, depression, and exploitation, so a hard age floor protects developing brains. Critics argue it strips teens of speech, community, and news access while raising privacy concerns about age verification. An alternative being debated: parental consent rules instead of outright bans. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.