House Passes Soto’s Consumer Safety Technology Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Soto’s bill, H.R. 1770, the Consumer Safety Technology Act. This bipartisan bill will direct the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to explore the use of AI in their work through a pilot program. It will also direct the U.S. Department of Commerce and Federal Trade Commission to study and report on the use of blockchain technology and digital tokens, respectively.

Rep. Soto delivered the following remarks on the House floor:  

“I rise in strong support of H.R. 1770— the Consumer Safety Technology Act.

“The bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program exploring the use of artificial intelligence so we can track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements.

“See, the reality is the crooks are already using AI.

“The cops on the beat need to be able to use this too.

“And we also heard in committee that this could help make the CPSC more efficient by the use of this technology, and it's critical that we protect consumers.

“The bill also requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety.

“Right now, blockchain is an exciting technology— new technology that can be used for data storage and helping AI to analyze major issues.

“In addition, it could also be in the digital currency form too.

“And so, the next section also instructs that the FTC should report to Congress on its efforts to address unfair and deceptive trade practices related to tokens, aka digital currency, and make any recommendations to improve our federal agencies' ability to protect consumers and promote innovation.”

The Consumer Safety Technology Act: 

• Directs the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to launch a pilot program exploring the use of artificial intelligence to track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, or identify products not meeting importation requirements;
• Requires the U.S. Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety; and
• Directs the U.S. Department of Commerce and Federal Trade Commission to report on their efforts to address unfair or deceptive trade practices related to digital tokens.  

In addition to Rep. Soto, the bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL-13), Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03).

The Consumer Safety Technology Act now awaits a vote in the Senate. 

For the full text of the bill, please click here.

###