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SENATE 797117th CongressRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

PACT Act

Last Action
3/17/2021

Actions

  • 2021-03-17Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • 2021-03-17Introduced in Senate

CRS Summary

As of 2021-03-17 (00)

Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency Act or the PACT Act

This bill requires providers of interactive computer services (e.g., social media companies) to publish their policy explaining the types of content permissible on the service and provide a system for users to submit complaints about content that may violate the policy or involve illegal content.

Further, social media companies must establish a process for removing certain content that violates their policies and notifying the information content provider about the removal, including a mechanism to appeal the removal. Social media companies also must publish a report every six months that details the instances in which the company took action with respect to content, including removing content, deprioritizing content, and suspending content provider accounts. The bill removes certain liability protections for companies if the company has actual knowledge of illegal content on its service and does not remove it within specified time frames.

The bill provides for enforcement of these requirements by the Federal Trade Commission.

Cosponsors (7)

  • John Thune (R-SD)
  • Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
  • John Barrasso (R-WY)
  • Ben Luján (D-NM)
  • Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
  • Shelley Capito (R-WV)
  • John Hickenlooper (D-CO)

Subjects

  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Business records
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Congressional oversight
  • Consumer affairs
  • Employment discrimination and employee rights
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Internet and video services
  • Internet, web applications, social media
  • Marketing and advertising
  • State and local government operations
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.