PROTECTS Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 742

119th Congress

PROTECTS Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Aug 12, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Eric A. Crawford

Representative

Republican

AR-1

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Commerce

Summary

The TELL Act requires websites and mobile apps that store data in China to disclose this fact and whether the data is accessible by the Chinese government. This aims to provide transparency to users about where their information is being stored and who can access it.

Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 22.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The TELL Act requires websites and mobile apps that store data in China to disclose this fact and whether the data is accessible by the Chinese government. This aims to provide transparency to users about where their information is being stored and who can access it.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Telling Everyone the Location of data Leaving the U.S. Act or the TELL Act This bill requires any person that maintains a website or that sells or distributes a mobile application that maintains and stores information in China to conspicuously disclose certain information to individuals who download or otherwise use the website or application. The disclosures must specify (1) that such information is stored and maintained in China, and (2) whether the information is accessible by the Chinese Communist Party or a Chinese state-owned entity. The bill also provides for enforcement of these requirements by the Federal Trade Commission.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires websites and apps that store data in China to disclose this to users
Requires disclosure of whether the data is accessible by the Chinese government or state-owned entities
Gives the Federal Trade Commission the power to enforce these disclosure requirements

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this bill becomes law, it would affect any American who uses websites or mobile apps that store data in China. It could prompt some companies to change where they store user data or how they disclose its location. This could give users more information to make informed choices about the apps and sites they use.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Commerce

Related Subjects

Asia

China

Civil actions and liability

Computers and information technology

Consumer affairs

Foreign and international corporations

Fraud offenses and financial crimes

Internet, web applications, social media

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

742, 119th Congress (2025). "PROTECTS Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-742