SPY Kids Act

The "Stop Profiling Youth and Kids Act," or SPY Kids Act , aims to protect minors from market and product-focused research by online platforms. It defines a child as an individual under 13 years old and a teen as someone between 13 and 16 years old. A covered platform is characterized as a publicly available website, application, or service that facilitates user-generated content, promotes user engagement through design features like infinite scrolling or notifications, and uses personal information for advertising or content recommendations. Specifically, the bill prohibits covered platforms from conducting market or product-focused research on children if they know the user is under 13. For teens, such research is forbidden unless the platform first obtains verifiable parental consent . This Act does not, however, restrict the processing of personal information solely for measuring advertising or content performance. Enforcement falls under the purview of the Federal Trade Commission , treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and also allows State Attorneys General to initiate civil actions to enjoin violations, ensure compliance, and seek restitution for residents. The Act preempts conflicting state laws and takes effect 90 days after enactment.