SCREEN Act

This bill would make many commercial websites that host pornography or other content harmful to minors use age‑verification technology and block minors from seeing it. Sites must verify a user’s age with a real system (not just a checkbox), publicly explain how their verification works, and run checks on users’ IP addresses (including known VPN IPs) unless the site can tell the user is outside the United States . Sites can hire a third party to do the checks, but they’re still responsible for following the rules. They must also protect any data collected for age checks and keep it only as long as needed to verify age and prove compliance.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would audit sites, issue guidance within 180 days, and enforce these rules using its consumer protection powers. Breaking the rules would be treated like violating an FTC rule. A federal watchdog would report to Congress on how well this works two years after the requirements kick in .

Key points

• Who is affected: Commercial websites that make pornographic or otherwise harmful content available; adults who use those sites; and minors who might try to access them.
• What changes: Sites must use real age‑verification, publish their process, check IPs (including VPNs), protect and minimize any verification data, and can use vetted third parties but remain liable.
• When: Requirements start one year after the bill becomes law; FTC guidance due in 180 days; government report due two years after compliance begins .