Us Code § 20916 - Direction to the Attorney General

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 20916 — Direction to the Attorney General, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20916. Direction to the Attorney General

(a) Requirement that sex offenders provide certain Internet related information to sex offender registries

The Attorney General, using the authority provided in section 114(a)(7) 1 of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act [34 U.S.C. 20914(a)(7)], shall require that each sex offender provide to the sex offender registry those Internet identifiers the sex offender uses or will use of any type that the Attorney General determines to be appropriate under that Act [34 U.S.C. 20901 et seq.]. These records of Internet identifiers shall be subject to the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) to the same extent as the other records in the National Sex Offender Registry.

(b) Timeliness of reporting of information

The Attorney General, using the authority provided in section 112(b) of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act [34 U.S.C. 20912(b)], shall specify the time and manner for keeping current information required to be provided under this section.

(c) Nondisclosure to general public

The Attorney General, using the authority provided in section 118(b)(4) of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act [34 U.S.C. 20920(b)(4)], shall exempt from disclosure all information provided by a sex offender under subsection (a).

(d) Notice to sex offenders of new requirements

The Attorney General shall ensure that procedures are in place to notify each sex offender of changes in requirements that apply to that sex offender as a result of the implementation of this section.

(e) Definitions

(1) Of "social networking website"

As used in this Act, the term "social networking website"—

(A) means an Internet website—

(i) that allows users, through the creation of web pages or profiles or by other means, to provide information about themselves that is available to the public or to other users; and

(ii) that offers a mechanism for communication with other users where such users are likely to include a substantial number of minors; and

(iii) whose primary purpose is to facilitate online social interactions; and


(B) includes any contractors or agents used by the website to act on behalf of the website in carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2) Of "Internet identifiers"

As used in this Act, the term "Internet identifiers" means electronic mail addresses and other designations used for self-identification or routing in Internet communication or posting.

(3) Other terms

A term defined for the purposes of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act [34 U.S.C. 20901 et seq.] has the same meaning in this Act.

(Pub. L. 110–400, §2, Oct. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 4224.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (e)(3), is title I of Pub. L. 109–248, July 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 590, which is classified principally to this subchapter. Section 114(a)(7) of the Act was redesignated section 114(a)(8) of the Act by Pub. L. 114–119, §6(a)(1)(A), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 22. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2006 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 110–400, Oct. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 4224, known as the Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of 2008, and also known as the KIDS Act of 2008, which enacted this section and section 20917 of this title, amended section 20981 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 10101 and 20981 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2008 Act note set out under section 10101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of 2008, also known as the KIDS Act of 2008, and not as part of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act which comprises this subchapter, or as part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 which comprises this chapter.

Section was formerly classified to section 16915a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

1 See References in Text note below.

About This Section

34 U.S.C. § 20916 is part of Title 34 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 34 U.S.C. § 20916. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 20916

What does United States Code § 20916 cover?

Section 20916 ("Direction to the Attorney General") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 20916?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 20916" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 20916 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.