Consumer Safety Technology Act

The Consumer Safety Technology Act would create three tech-focused initiatives to bolster consumer protection. First, it directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to run a one-year pilot program using artificial intelligence (AI) to support its safety mission—with concrete goals like tracking injuries and hazards, monitoring the retail marketplace for recalled products, and screening imports. It requires broad consultation with technologists, cybersecurity experts, retailers, manufacturers, and safety groups, and a public report on findings and data at the end of the pilot. Second, the Act requires the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other appropriate agencies, to study how blockchain technology could aid consumer protection, including fraud prevention. The study must explore current and emerging uses, industry trends, public-private partnerships, benefits/risks, regulatory changes to encourage use, and it must solicit public input. A public report to Congress and a Department of Commerce website posting would follow within six months after the study’s completion. Third, the bill establishes a “Digital Taxonomy Act” component that formalizes FTC attention to tokens and blockchain. It lays out findings underscoring innovation and the FTC’s role in policing unfair or deceptive practices in token transactions, and it directs the FTC to report within one year on actions taken, ongoing efforts, and legislative recommendations to strengthen consumer protection in the token marketplace. Definitions clarify what counts as a token and a consumer product for purposes of the bill.