The House of Representatives recently passed a set of bills on addressing multiple issues. Technology, public health, and transparency were the focus of these bills. One of them, known as the Take it Down Act, was important enough to be sponsored by the First Lady Melania Trump.
First, the House passed House Resolution (HR) 859, also known as the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act. This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers that a camera or microphone is part of the device. Customers have to be notified prior to the purchase.
Second, HR 1442 was passed as a consumer protection bill. It is known as the Youth Poisoning Protection Act.
HR 1442 bans consumer products with a concentration of sodium nitrite of 10% or greater. However, the bill does not apply to specified drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, or food products.
Third, HR 1402 was also passed as a consumer protection bill. It is also known as the Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act.
HR 1402 requires ticket sellers for concerts, sporting events, and similar activities to clearly and prominently disclose the total ticket price for the event. The price has to be disclosed at the time of purchase.
Additionally, the total ticket price must also be disclosed in any advertisement or price list.
Finally, the Take It Down Act was passed after being approved by the Senate. Also known as S 146, this bill prohibits the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions of individuals, both authentic and computer-generated.
The bill requires online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their publication. It also targets content that is made with the intent to harm another person’s image or incite violence against them.
The Take It Down Act came as a result of Melania Trump’s advocacy. She stated that this has been a key focus since returning to her role as First Lady.
She commented on X, “I am honored to have contributed to guiding it through Congress. By safeguarding children from hurtful online behavior today, we take a vital step in nurturing our leaders of tomorrow.”
