Rep. McClain Delaney, Rep. Kennedy Introduce the Bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act to Protect Families Online
Rep. McClain Delaney, Rep. Kennedy Introduce the Bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act to Protect Families Online
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT) today introduced the bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act, legislation to hold social media companies accountable for harms caused by content pushed through their algorithms.
Currently, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act gives online platforms legal immunity for harmful content posted by users. Written nearly three decades ago, it fails to address the risks created by targeted algorithms, which are deployed by social media companies to drive endless user engagement, often without regard to the risks that consumers — especially children — may face as a result.
This bill modernizes Section 230 and establishes a clear duty of care for platforms that design and deploy algorithms capable of amplifying dangerous or harmful content. Under the Algorithm Accountability Act, social media companies must responsibly design, train, test, deploy, and maintain their algorithmic systems in ways that prevent foreseeable bodily injury or death. The legislation also grants individuals a civil right of action in federal court when platforms negligently expose users to harmful or radicalizing content.
As the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information under the Biden Administration and former Washington D.C. Director of Common Sense Media, Congresswoman McClain Delaney has led national efforts in safeguarding child safety online. This bill reflects her lifelong priorities, ensuring the ever-changing technological landscape accommodates the needs of American families.
“This legislation is one of the reasons why I came to Congress: to put common sense bumpers and safeguards on how technology impacts our safety, health and well-being,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “Throughout my career as a communications attorney and nonprofit advocate for children’s online safety, I have consistently held that platforms should be accountable for algorithmic content that could foreseeably result in real-life injuries. As the mother of four daughters, I understand how deeply families worry about the risks children face online and how blanket immunity for social media companies has allowed harm to go unchecked. Big Tech should be responsible to design, test, and operate their platforms safely. When they fail, our nation’s families deserve a clear path to hold them accountable for the harms caused."
“As a family doctor, I’ve seen how today’s online environment can overwhelm my patients and contribute to serious challenges. Social media companies have built powerful algorithms that prioritize engagement and profit, too often overlooking their role in amplifying dangerous content,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “The Algorithm Accountability Act is a responsible step that establishes a clear duty of care for these platforms, ensuring they are accountable for preventing foreseeable harm caused by their algorithmic feeds.”