Online Consumer Protection Act
Key claim: The Online Consumer Protection Act would require social media platforms and online marketplaces to disclose consumer-protection terms of service, run compliance programs, and (above revenue/user thresholds) file annually with the FTC, enforceable by the FTC, state AGs, and private suits.
Abstract
(HR2889 · 119th Congress) Online Consumer Protection Act This bill requires social media platforms and online marketplaces to establish, maintain, and disclose terms of service that include a consumer protection policy. The terms must cover issues such as payment methods, content ownership, and policies related to sharing user content with third parties. Further, the consumer protection policy must address what content or products are permitted on the platform or marketplace and how content or products may be blocked, removed, or modified. The policy for social media platforms also must describe the tools and support available to users who have experienced cyber harassment. Social media platforms and online marketplaces must develop and implement a consumer protection program to maintain compliance with the terms of service, consumer protection policies, and consumer protection laws. Platforms and marketplaces with annual revenues that exceeded $250,000 in the prior year or more than 10,000 active monthly users on average in the prior year also must submit to the Federal Trade Commission annual filings with respect to the requirements of this bill. The bill provides for enforcement by the commission, state attorneys general, and private civil action. Latest action (2025-04-10): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Why this matters
The bill would establish a baseline federal consumer-protection compliance regime for social media platforms and online marketplaces, layering ToS-disclosure duties, cyber-harassment support obligations, and annual FTC filings on top of existing Section 5 authority. Adding a private right of action alongside FTC and state AG enforcement would materially expand litigation exposure for platforms above the size thresholds, shaping how developers and platform operators design terms, complaint handling, and internal compliance.