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H.R.413 / 118th Congress

TOTS Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 20, 2023

Transparency Over Toys Spying Act or the TOTS Act

This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules requiring internet-connected toys to include a label indicating that the toy has the ability to connect to the internet and collect and transmit personal information of the user. The label must also indicate whether personal information collected by the toy is retained in the toy or by the manufacturer or another entity. Further, any user agreement or privacy policy associated with the toy must prominently state specified information about how personal information may be collected and used by the manufacturer or other entity.

Internet-connected toys include entertainment devices that are targeted to, or likely to be operated by, children and are able to connect to the internet and collect and transmit personal information.

The bill also authorizes the commission to enforce these rules.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11] · R–NC

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
7 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Jan 16, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.413 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.413 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.413 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.413 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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