The TERMS Act requires online service providers—websites and apps that require user accounts—to be more transparent about how they enforce their rules and when they remove or suspend users. Specifically, companies must publicly post clear policies explaining what behavior gets people banned, how they enforce those rules, and whether users can appeal decisions. The bill also requires companies to give users at least seven days' written notice before restricting their accounts, explaining what rule was violated, unless the restriction is needed immediately to prevent death, serious injury, or serious health risks. Additionally, online service providers must publish annual reports showing how many accounts they've restricted, broken down by the specific policy violated and who reported the violation. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these requirements starting 180 days after the bill becomes law, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices subject to existing FTC penalties.
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.