Consumer Safety Technology Act
Consumer Safety Technology Act
Plain Language Summary
# Consumer Safety Technology Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would modernize how the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) protects Americans by piloting artificial intelligence tools to better detect and prevent unsafe products. Specifically, AI would help track injury trends, spot hazards, monitor recalled products, and catch items that don't meet safety standards when imported. The bill also requires two separate reports: one from the Department of Commerce on blockchain technology's potential role in consumer protection, and another from the Federal Trade Commission on preventing fraud related to digital tokens (like cryptocurrencies). **Who It Affects:** The bill impacts consumers who use everyday products, as well as manufacturers and importers who must comply with safety standards.
It also involves federal agencies (the CPSC, Commerce Department, and FTC) that would need to implement these AI systems and prepare reports. **Current Status:** The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is sponsored by Representative Darren Soto (D-FL). Its next step would be consideration in the Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Consumer Safety Technology ActThis bill (1) establishes a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence to support the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and (2) requires reports related to blockchain technology and digital tokens.Specifically, the CPSC must consult with relevant stakeholders, such as data scientists and product manufacturers, and use artificial intelligence for a least one of the following purposes: (1) tracking trends in injuries involving consumer products, (2) identifying consumer product hazards, (3) monitoring the sale of recalled consumer products, or (4) identifying consumer products that do not meet specified importation requirements related to product safety.The bill also requires (1) the Department of Commerce to report on existing and emerging uses of blockchain technology for consumer protection, and (2) the Federal Trade Commission to report on its efforts to prevent unfair or deceptive practices relating to digital tokens.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.