Definitions

In this subtitle: (1) App The term app means a software application that may be run or directed by a user on a computer, mobile device, or any other general purpose computing device. (2) App store The term app store means a publicly available software application that distributes and facilitates the download onto a mobile device of an app from a third-party developer by a user of a computer, mobile device, or any other general purpose computing device. (3) Covered user The term covered user means a user of a covered platform if the provider of such covered platform knows that such user is a minor. (4) Direct messaging feature (A) In general The term direct messaging feature means a function of a covered platform that enables a user to send a message, image, video, audio, or other communication directly to another user or a specific group of users of the covered platform. (B) Exclusion The term direct messaging feature does not include a function of a covered platform that enables a user to post content on the covered platform to— (i) a public or semi-public profile; or (ii) a feed accessible to a broader group of users. (5) Ephemeral messaging feature (A) In general The term ephemeral messaging feature means a function of a covered platform that permanently deletes or renders inaccessible a message, image, video, audio, or other communication sent between users of the covered platform (such that neither the sender nor any recipient of such communication may readily retrieve or review the communication in the original form through the covered platform)— (i) after a predetermined period; (ii) once viewed by such a recipient; or (iii) upon exiting the specific chat or messaging interface. (B) Exceptions The term ephemeral messaging feature does not include— (i) a function of a covered platform that allows a user of the covered platform to manually delete a message, image, video, audio, or other communication sent by such user after the transmission of the communication (if such deletion does not automatically occur for each recipient of the communication or by the default design of such function); or (ii) standard data volatility in transit or temporary caching not designed to make such a communication permanently inaccessible after viewing or a short, predetermined time. (6) Mobile device The term mobile device means a phone or general-purpose tablet that provides cellular or wireless connectivity, is capable of connecting to the internet, and is capable of running an app. (7) Parental direct messaging controls The term parental direct messaging controls means a set of tools or settings that a provider of a covered platform provides to a parent of a covered user of the covered platform that allows the parent to manage the use of a direct messaging feature by such covered user. (8) Teen covered user The term teen covered user means a covered user who has attained the age of 13. (9) Unapproved contact The term unapproved contact, with respect to a covered user for whom parental direct messaging controls have been activated, means a user of a covered platform with respect to whom the teen covered user may not use a direct messaging feature unless a parent of such teen covered user has provided verifiable parental consent under this subtitle. (10) Verifiable parental consent The term verifiable parental consent — (A) has the meaning given that term in section 2 of this Act; and (B) includes ongoing mechanisms for parents to activate and manage parental direct messaging controls provided under this subtitle.