Safer GAMING Act

The Safer GAMING Act mandates that online video game providers implement specific safeguards for minors using their interactive online games. These safeguards empower parents to limit communication between their minor children, defined as covered users , and all other users, including adults. An interactive online video game is specified as one that connects to the internet and allows user-to-user communication. These mandatory safeguards must be accessible and easy-to-use , and critically, they must be enabled by default on a minor's account. Only the parent or legal guardian of the minor can disable these communication limits. Additionally, the most protective privacy and safety settings offered by a provider must incorporate these safeguards by default for minors. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce these provisions, treating any violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice. States may also bring civil actions for violations, but must notify the FTC, which retains the right to intervene. This Act explicitly preempts any state or local laws regulating the same subject matter, establishing a uniform federal standard. These requirements will take effect one year after the bill's enactment.