Fayetteville Today

U.S. Representative David Rouzer (R-NC) has expressed his endorsement for the implementation of Sammy's Law, a bipartisan initiative that aims to grant parents the authority over their children's online experiences. The proposed legislation requires major social media platforms to provide access to third-party safety software, a move lawmakers believe will equip families with the tools necessary to shield minors from potential online hazards.

In a statement, Rouzer said, "Parents should have a say in the content their children have access to while online." He continued, "That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor Sammy’s Law, a bipartisan, commonsense bill, which will help families keep their children safe from harmful online content."

According to H.R. 5778 or Sammy's Law of 2023, the third-party safety software is designed to safeguard children from various threats prevalent on major social media platforms. These include cyberbullying, human trafficking, illegal drug distribution, sexual harassment and violence. The Act provides specific definitions critical for regulating social media platforms and identifies a "child" as anyone under 17 who holds an account on these platforms.

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The Act further stipulates that large social media platforms must establish real-time interfaces for third-party safety software providers. This would allow either children (if they are at least 13 years old) or their parents/legal guardians to delegate control over online interactions, content and account settings on these platforms. In addition to this requirement, the Act mandates secure and frequent transfers of user data to these safety software providers and necessitates disclosures to both child and parent/legal guardian regarding delegation and transferred data.

As per Sammy's Law of 2023, violations are categorized as unfair or deceptive practices under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act. This grants the Commission enforcement powers similar to those exercised for FTC Act violations. The Commission is also required to assess compliance biannually and establish a procedure for complaints about potential violations filed by children, parents/legal guardians, large social media platform providers or third-party safety software providers.

Rouzer, according to his official website, represents North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, which spans from the Southeastern coastline to rural areas near Lumberton and Fayetteville. Having been elected to Congress in 2014, he is currently serving his fifth term and holds positions on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Rouzer also chairs the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.