Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
"Microphone-Enabled Devices Act"; requires user consent before enabling device microphone.
Microphones in the house of representatives.
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.
Medical Innovation Acceleration Act of 2023 This bill exempts noninvasive diagnostic devices from the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration. The bill defines noninvasive diagnostic device as one that does not penetrate the skin or any other membrane of the body, is not inserted or implanted into the body, causes no more than ephemeral compression or temperature changes to in situ bodily tissues, and does not subject bodily tissues to ionizing radiation.
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize requiring the manufacturers of a covered device to disclose to a patient all patient-specific data that is recorded or transmitted by the device and accessible to the manufacturer, and for other purposes.
HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2023 This bill creates a position within the Department of Health and Human Services to support access to reproductive and sexual health services (including services relating to pregnancy and the termination of a pregnancy) that are evidence-based and medically accurate. Functions of the position include (1) educating the public about medication abortions and other sexual and reproductive health services, (2) collecting and analyzing data about consumer access to and health insurance coverage for those services, and (3) coordinating with the Federal Trade Commission on issues related to consumer protection and data privacy for those services.
Ending Scam Credit Repair Act or the ESCRA ActThis bill revises the Credit Repair Organizations Act and creates additional requirements for credit repair organizations (CROs).Under current law, it is illegal for a person (including a CRO) to make false or misleading statements regarding a consumer’s creditworthiness or standing to a consumer reporting agency or to a consumer credit provider. The bill additionally prohibits making such statements to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or law enforcement. To be subject to this prohibition, the bill also requires such statements to be made knowingly.The bill also revises CRO obligations to consumers. A CRO is prohibited from charging a consumer for a service (e.g., getting inaccurate information removed from a credit report) until the CRO provides proof of success not less than six months after providing the service. The bill also requires additional disclosures to consumers, requires the retention of any recorded telephone calls, and increases the time records must be retained from two to five years. In addition, consumers must be given copies of all communications sent on their behalf.Under the bill, all persons must be licensed by a state to act as a CRO. The bill also restricts a CRO’s ability to submit multiple credit disputes regarding the same information.The bill also sets a minimum liability amount for damages of $500 for each violation of the Credit Repair Organizations Act.