The ACCESS Act requires large online communications platforms—those with over 100 million U.S. monthly users that profit from user data—to allow consumers to switch services more easily by providing three key capabilities. First, platforms must enable users to download and transfer their personal data to competitors in a readable format. Second, platforms must make their services technically compatible with smaller competitors so users can communicate across different platforms. Third, platforms must allow third-party agents to manage user accounts on consumers' behalf. The legislation applies to major social media, messaging, and social networking services but exempts services that don't generate revenue from user data. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce the law, establish technical standards within 180 days, and issue full regulations within one year. Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive business practices, with fines assessed per affected user, and the law takes effect once FTC regulations are finalized.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.