A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to instruct Inspectors General to report to Congress on social media communications.

1/14/2025, 7:03 PM

Transparency in Bureaucratic Communications Act

This bill requires federal offices of inspectors general to include in their existing semiannual reports to Congress information about any communications between their department or agency and certain online platforms and services. 

Specifically, such reports must include details on the contents and circumstances of any communication or attempted communication with an internet platform, information content provider, or access software provider. Covered communications include those addressing specific online content, content moderation practices, and any other topic related to a platform's or service's data inputs, algorithms, modeling and simulation processes, analysis tools, or any related tool. 

Bill 119 s 66, also known as the "Social Media Communications Reporting Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to amend title 5 of the United States Code. The main purpose of this bill is to require Inspectors General to report to Congress on social media communications.

Under this bill, Inspectors General, who are independent and objective officials responsible for overseeing and investigating government agencies, would be instructed to provide regular reports to Congress on the social media communications of federal agencies. This would include information on the content of the communications, the platforms used, and any potential risks or concerns related to the use of social media by government agencies.

The goal of this bill is to increase transparency and accountability in government communications, particularly in the age of social media where information can spread quickly and have a significant impact. By requiring Inspectors General to report on social media communications, Congress can better understand how federal agencies are using these platforms and ensure that they are being used responsibly and in accordance with government regulations. Overall, Bill 119 s 66 seeks to enhance oversight of government communications in the digital age and promote greater accountability within federal agencies.
Congress
119
Number
S - 66
Introduced on
2025-01-09
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Transparency in Bureaucratic Communications Act

This bill requires federal offices of inspectors general to include in their existing semiannual reports to Congress information about any communications between their department or agency and certain online platforms and services. 

Specifically, such reports must include details on the contents and circumstances of any communication or attempted communication with an internet platform, information content provider, or access software provider. Covered communications include those addressing specific online content, content moderation practices, and any other topic related to a platform's or service's data inputs, algorithms, modeling and simulation processes, analysis tools, or any related tool. 

Bill 119 s 66, also known as the "Social Media Communications Reporting Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to amend title 5 of the United States Code. The main purpose of this bill is to require Inspectors General to report to Congress on social media communications.

Under this bill, Inspectors General, who are independent and objective officials responsible for overseeing and investigating government agencies, would be instructed to provide regular reports to Congress on the social media communications of federal agencies. This would include information on the content of the communications, the platforms used, and any potential risks or concerns related to the use of social media by government agencies.

The goal of this bill is to increase transparency and accountability in government communications, particularly in the age of social media where information can spread quickly and have a significant impact. By requiring Inspectors General to report on social media communications, Congress can better understand how federal agencies are using these platforms and ensure that they are being used responsibly and in accordance with government regulations. Overall, Bill 119 s 66 seeks to enhance oversight of government communications in the digital age and promote greater accountability within federal agencies.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to instruct Inspectors General to report to Congress on social media communications.

Comments

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Committee:  
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/12/2025

Transparency in Bureaucratic Communications Act

This bill requires federal offices of inspectors general to include in their existing semiannual reports to Congress information about any communications between their departme...

Latest Action1/9/2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.