The Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act requires certain online platforms like social media sites to be more transparent about how they collect and use people's personal information, and how their algorithms promote or hide content. The bill aims to prevent platforms from discriminating against users or undermining voting rights through their algorithms.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act requires certain online platforms like social media sites to be more transparent about how they collect and use people's personal information, and how their algorithms promote or hide content. The bill aims to prevent platforms from discriminating against users or undermining voting rights through their algorithms.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>The platforms must</p> <ul> <li>make disclosures about their collection and use of personal information and their content moderation practices;</li> <li>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;</li> <li>employ algorithms safely and effectively; and</li> <li>allow users to access and transfer their personal information.</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p>A platform's chief executive officer or other senior officer must certify compliance with disclosure requirements.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The bill also provides funding for an interagency task force to study the discriminatory use of personal information by platforms' algorithms.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Platforms must disclose details about their data collection, content moderation, and advertising practices.
Platforms must assess whether their algorithms produce biased outcomes based on race, gender, and other factors.
Platforms are prohibited from using algorithms that discriminate or impair voting rights.
The bill provides whistleblower protections and authorizes enforcement by federal agencies, states, and private individuals.
An interagency task force will study the discriminatory use of personal data by platform algorithms.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If passed, this bill would impact major social media and online platforms, requiring them to be more transparent and accountable for how their algorithms shape the content users see. It could lead to platforms making changes to reduce bias and discrimination, and give users more control over their personal data. The general public would also be affected, as the bill aims to protect their civil rights and voting rights from being undermined by platforms' automated systems.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Science, Technology, Communications
Related Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Appropriations
Civil actions and liability
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Consumer affairs
Consumer credit
Criminal justice information and records
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
+9 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
4624, 119th Congress (2025). "Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4624
