Contact Congress about H.R. 1623: SCREEN Act

Many adult-content platforms would have to do more than ask users to click that they are 18. They would need real age checks, protect that data, and follow Federal Trade Commission rules. The goal is to make it harder for minors in the United States to reach explicit content online.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

SCREEN Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Latest action on H.R. 1623: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects adult-content websites and apps, adults trying to view that content, minors, and the companies that provide age-check tools. It could also affect mixed-content platforms that make money and regularly host user-posted material that falls under the bill's definition. Federal agencies would also take on new work, especially the Federal Trade Commission, which would enforce the law, and the Government Accountability Office, which would study its effects.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it could change how people in the United States reach explicit content online. Minors might have a harder time getting in, but adults could face more age checks and more data collection. Platforms would have new costs, legal risks, and security duties. The law could also shape future fights over online safety, privacy, and free speech, especially if courts review whether the rules are constitutional.

Key provisions in H.R. 1623

• The bill does not cover every website. It covers for-profit online services that do business in the United States or aim at U.S. users and regularly create, host, or provide harmful visual content.
• The bill uses a legal test for content that is harmful to minors. It includes some explicit images meant to stir sexual interest, material that is clearly offensive for minors, material with no serious value for minors, obscene material, and child pornography.
• Covered platforms would have one year to add a real age-check system. A simple box that asks users to click and say they are adults would not count.
• Sites must use age checks for users' internet addresses, called IP addresses. That includes known VPN addresses unless the site decides the user is not in the United States.
• Platforms can pick the age-check technology they want and can hire outside vendors. But the platform still carries full legal responsibility if it fails to comply.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 1623

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 1623

What is H.R. 1623?

Many adult-content platforms would have to do more than ask users to click that they are 18. They would need real age checks, protect that data, and follow Federal Trade Commission rules. The goal is to make it harder for minors in the United States to reach explicit content online.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 1623?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 1623?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 1623 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.