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Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act

12/31/2022, 5:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4653

Bill 117 HR 4653, also known as the Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to address issues related to the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms.

The bill proposes that social media companies, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, implement measures to verify the authenticity of user accounts. This would involve requiring users to provide some form of identification, such as a government-issued ID or a phone number, in order to create or maintain an account on the platform.

Additionally, the bill calls for social media companies to take steps to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation on their platforms. This could include implementing fact-checking mechanisms, labeling false information, and removing accounts that repeatedly share false or misleading content. Furthermore, the bill aims to increase transparency and accountability within social media companies by requiring them to report regularly on their efforts to combat misinformation and verify user accounts. This would help to hold these companies accountable for their actions and ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to protect users from harmful content. Overall, the Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding the spread of misinformation on social media platforms and to promote a more responsible and transparent online environment.

Congressional Summary of HR 4653

Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act

This bill requires a social media company to remove a deceptive or fraudulent account or profile from its platform and to verify the creator of an account that is alleged to be deceptive or fraudulent.

Specifically, a social media company must establish a means whereby a user may request the investigation and removal of a deceptive account or profile. The social media company must expeditiously remove or disable access to a deceptive account or profile and any materials or messages published therefrom.

Further, a social media company must notify a user who submits such a request of any reasons underlying a determination that an account or profile is not deceptive, and it must take escalating actions against an individual who makes false or bad faith requests for the investigation and removal of an account or profile.

Current Status of Bill HR 4653

Bill HR 4653 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 22, 2021. Bill HR 4653 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 22, 2021.  Bill HR 4653's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. as of July 23, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4653

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4653

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4653

To prohibit the creation and use of fake social media accounts or profiles and the sending of fraudulent emails or other electronic messages, and to require certain social media companies to remove fake or harmful accounts and profiles from their platforms.
Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act
Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act

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