GUARDIAN Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (1 Sep 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
The GUARDIAN Act would require operators of certain online platforms to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting or using the personal data of users under age 16 ("covered minors"). Covered platforms are defined by specific features: they are publicly available, allow searchable and followable usernames, primarily facilitate sharing of user-generated content, use engagement-driving design features (such as infinite scroll, notifications, or personalized recommendations), and use personal data for advertising or content recommendations. The bill sets rules for age verification, written confirmation of consent, withdrawal of consent, and deletion or portability of a minor's data, including a requirement to delete data once a minor turns 16 unless a parent requests otherwise. Platforms have a limited "right to cure" violations by promptly deleting data or obtaining consent after learning a user is a minor.
The bill primarily affects operators of social media and similar interactive platforms, along with parents and guardians of users under 16, who would gain rights to consent to, monitor, and request deletion of their children's data. It exempts platforms from liability based on content viewpoint, and clarifies that state laws are preempted only where they conflict, allowing states to keep or adopt stronger protections.
Enforcement would fall to the Federal Trade Commission, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, with state attorneys general also authorized to bring civil actions under certain conditions. The bill was introduced on September 1, 2026, by Rep. Erin Houchin and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It would take effect 18 months after enactment, if passed. As of this summary, it has not been voted on by the committee or the full House.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
1 Sep 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10207 do?
- The GUARDIAN Act would require operators of certain online platforms to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting or using the personal data of users under age 16 ("covered minors"). Covered platforms are defined by specific features: they are publicly available, allow searchable and followable usernames, primarily facilitate sharing of user-generated content, use engagement-driving design features (such as infinite scroll, notifications, or personalized recommendations), and use personal data for advertising or content recommendations. The bill sets rules for age verification, written confirmation of consent, withdrawal of consent, and deletion or portability of a minor's data, including a requirement to delete data once a minor turns 16 unless a parent requests otherwise. Platforms have a limited "right to cure" violations by promptly deleting data or obtaining consent after learning a user is a minor. The bill primarily affects operators of social media and similar interactive platforms, along with parents and guardians of users under 16, who would gain rights to consent to, monitor, and request deletion of their children's data. It exempts platforms from liability based on content viewpoint, and clarifies that state laws are preempted only where they conflict, allowing states to keep or adopt stronger protections. Enforcement would fall to the Federal Trade Commission, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, with state attorneys general also authorized to bring civil actions under certain conditions. The bill was introduced on September 1, 2026, by Rep. Erin Houchin and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It would take effect 18 months after enactment, if passed. As of this summary, it has not been voted on by the committee or the full House.
- Has H.R. 10207 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10207. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10207?
- H.R. 10207 was sponsored by Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9] (R-IN), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10207?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (1 Sep 2026).
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More bills from Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
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