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Bill

S 28

AI Child Abuse

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Adams and 23 co-sponsors

Requires manufacturers to disclose, before purchase, whether smart devices contain a camera or microphone, so buyers know if audio/video can be recorded; enforceable by the FTC.

Act No. 57
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 28

Clarifying note: The bill text and committee report provided correspond to S. 28, the “Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act,” which requires disclosure of camera or microphone capabilities in certain internet‑connected devices. (The initial metadata mentioning “minimum wage for employees with disabilities” appears to be an error and is not reflected in the committee report or bill text.)

Purpose

Require manufacturers to disclose — clearly, conspicuously, and before purchase — whether an internet‑connected (“smart”) device contains a camera or microphone component, so consumers know if a product can record or transmit audio/video.

Key provisions

  • Disclosure requirement: Each manufacturer of a “covered device” must disclose, prior to purchase, whether the device contains a camera or microphone as a component. The committee report emphasizes clarity and conspicuousness of the notice.
  • Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is authorized to enforce the requirement as a violation of a rule prescribed under section 18 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a).
  • FTC guidance: The FTC must issue guidance (including tailored guidance) to help manufacturers comply.
  • Remedies and penalties: The FTC may pursue enforcement actions and civil monetary penalties, as appropriate; penalties would generally be deposited to the Treasury.

Who is affected

  • Manufacturers and sellers of internet‑connected consumer devices that could include embedded cameras or microphones (examples in the report include refrigerators, thermostats, and other household products).
  • Consumers who purchase smart devices — the policy aims to increase their ability to make informed privacy decisions.
  • FTC resources: CBO anticipates modest agency staffing and costs to develop guidance and enforce the rule.

Estimated costs and mandates

  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate: implementing S. 28 would cost about $4 million over 2025–2030 (mainly FTC staffing). CBO projects FTC would need 3 employees in 2026 and 4 employees per year 2027–2030 for guidance and enforcement.
  • Private‑sector mandate: S. 28 imposes a disclosure mandate on manufacturers. Industry sources indicated most manufacturers already provide similar disclosures, which may limit compliance costs.
  • Projected revenue from penalties over the next decade is expected to be insignificant.

Legislative status & history

  • Introduced: Jan 7, 2025, by Sen. Ted Cruz (cosponsors include Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. John Curtis as listed).
  • Committee action: Referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; reported favorably without amendment (S. Rept. 119‑13) and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar (Calendar No. 47) on Apr 28, 2025.
  • Related measures: Companion/related bills have been introduced in prior or other chambers in prior sessions (e.g., a similar House measure in the 118th Congress).

Potential impact

  • Consumer privacy: Improves buyer awareness of audio/video recording capability in products not traditionally thought to record.
  • Industry: May require clearer labeling and point‑of‑sale disclosures; many firms likely already comply, so incremental cost may be small.
  • Enforcement burden: Modest FTC resource needs as estimated by CBO; enforcement approach follows existing FTC authority under section 18.

If you want, I can: (1) draft likely labeling language that would satisfy the bill’s requirements, (2) identify categories of devices most affected, or (3) extract exact statutory language if you have the bill text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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