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Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act

USA117th CongressS-1896| Senate 
| Updated: 5/27/2021
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (3)
Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act This bill establishes requirements for certain commercial online platforms (e.g., social media sites) that withhold or promote content through algorithms and related computational processes that use personal information. The platforms must make disclosures about their collection and use of personal information and their content moderation practices; retain specified records that describe how the algorithms use personal information and assess whether the algorithms produce disparate outcomes based on race and other demographic factors in terms of access to housing, employment, financial services, and related matters; employ algorithms safely and effectively; and allow users to access and transfer their personal information. If a platform uses algorithms to publish or sell advertising, it must maintain a library of the advertisements. The Federal Trade Commission must also adopt rules concerning deceptive advertising. A platform's chief executive officer or other senior officer must certify compliance with disclosure requirements. Additionally, platforms may not (1) employ algorithms or other design features that result in discrimination or similar harms based on demographic or biometric factors, or (2) process information such that it impairs voting rights. Further, users of a platform may not violate civil rights laws using the platform's algorithms. The bill prohibits waivers or other methods that limit rights under the bill; provides whistleblower protections for individuals who report violations; and authorizes enforcement by specified federal agencies, states, and private individuals. The bill also provides funding for an interagency task force to study the discriminatory use of personal information by platforms' algorithms.
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Timeline
May 27, 2021
Introduced in Senate
May 27, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
May 31, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-3611
Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
  • May 27, 2021
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 27, 2021
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • May 31, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-3611
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • HR 117-3611: Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAppropriationsCivil actions and liabilityComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightConsumer affairsConsumer creditCriminal justice information and recordsExecutive agency funding and structureFederal Trade Commission (FTC)GeneticsGovernment studies and investigationsInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaMarketing and advertisingMarriage and family statusRacial and ethnic relationsRight of privacySex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationState and local government operationsStudent recordsVoting rights

Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act

USA117th CongressS-1896| Senate 
| Updated: 5/27/2021
Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act This bill establishes requirements for certain commercial online platforms (e.g., social media sites) that withhold or promote content through algorithms and related computational processes that use personal information. The platforms must make disclosures about their collection and use of personal information and their content moderation practices; retain specified records that describe how the algorithms use personal information and assess whether the algorithms produce disparate outcomes based on race and other demographic factors in terms of access to housing, employment, financial services, and related matters; employ algorithms safely and effectively; and allow users to access and transfer their personal information. If a platform uses algorithms to publish or sell advertising, it must maintain a library of the advertisements. The Federal Trade Commission must also adopt rules concerning deceptive advertising. A platform's chief executive officer or other senior officer must certify compliance with disclosure requirements. Additionally, platforms may not (1) employ algorithms or other design features that result in discrimination or similar harms based on demographic or biometric factors, or (2) process information such that it impairs voting rights. Further, users of a platform may not violate civil rights laws using the platform's algorithms. The bill prohibits waivers or other methods that limit rights under the bill; provides whistleblower protections for individuals who report violations; and authorizes enforcement by specified federal agencies, states, and private individuals. The bill also provides funding for an interagency task force to study the discriminatory use of personal information by platforms' algorithms.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 27, 2021
Introduced in Senate
May 27, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
May 31, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-3611
Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
  • May 27, 2021
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 27, 2021
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • May 31, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-3611
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (3)
Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • HR 117-3611: Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAppropriationsCivil actions and liabilityComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightConsumer affairsConsumer creditCriminal justice information and recordsExecutive agency funding and structureFederal Trade Commission (FTC)GeneticsGovernment studies and investigationsInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaMarketing and advertisingMarriage and family statusRacial and ethnic relationsRight of privacySex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationState and local government operationsStudent recordsVoting rights