This bill requires social media companies to implement geofencing technology to prevent access to their platforms on K-12 education campuses. This blocking must occur during the regular school day, as determined by local educational agencies, with specific exceptions for critical communications such as weather alerts, Amber alerts, and other public safety uses by emergency responders. The legislation includes provisions to protect user privacy, explicitly stating that companies are not required to collect new personal data or implement age gating or verification functionalities beyond their normal business practices. Enforcement of these requirements falls under the purview of both the Federal Trade Commission , treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts, and State Attorneys General , who can initiate civil actions to enjoin violations, enforce compliance, or seek damages on behalf of residents. Key terms are defined, with geofencing meaning a virtual boundary maintained by a social media platform. A social media platform is characterized as a public-facing online service that collects personal data, primarily derives revenue from advertising or data sales, and functions as a community forum for user-generated content, while specifically excluding services like commercial marketplaces, teleconferencing, cloud storage, and educational learning management systems.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Science, Technology, Communications
Child safety and welfareComputers and information technologyEducational facilities and institutionsEducational guidanceElementary and secondary educationInternet, web applications, social media
No Social Media at School Act
USA119th CongressHR-5173| House
| Updated: 9/8/2025
This bill requires social media companies to implement geofencing technology to prevent access to their platforms on K-12 education campuses. This blocking must occur during the regular school day, as determined by local educational agencies, with specific exceptions for critical communications such as weather alerts, Amber alerts, and other public safety uses by emergency responders. The legislation includes provisions to protect user privacy, explicitly stating that companies are not required to collect new personal data or implement age gating or verification functionalities beyond their normal business practices. Enforcement of these requirements falls under the purview of both the Federal Trade Commission , treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts, and State Attorneys General , who can initiate civil actions to enjoin violations, enforce compliance, or seek damages on behalf of residents. Key terms are defined, with geofencing meaning a virtual boundary maintained by a social media platform. A social media platform is characterized as a public-facing online service that collects personal data, primarily derives revenue from advertising or data sales, and functions as a community forum for user-generated content, while specifically excluding services like commercial marketplaces, teleconferencing, cloud storage, and educational learning management systems.
Child safety and welfareComputers and information technologyEducational facilities and institutionsEducational guidanceElementary and secondary educationInternet, web applications, social media