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Researchers, parents and doctors urge algorithm audits to protect adolescents on social platforms
Summary
Witnesses backed Senate Bill 51, which would require independent third‑party audits and transparency reporting for engagement‑based algorithms, citing studies that link platform recommendations to increased exposure to eating‑disorder content and other harms to youth mental health.
Parents, public‑health researchers and algorithm auditors urged the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology to report Senate Bill 51 favorably and to require independent algorithm risk audits and transparency reports for social platforms that use engagement‑based recommendations affecting children.
Witnesses said engagement‑optimizing algorithms deliver content that amplifies risk for vulnerable youth, and they urged the state to require audits focused on harms including addiction‑like use patterns, exposure to bullying and predatory marketing.
"Transparency and accountability are at the heart of this legislation," said Deb Schmill, who testified as a parent and sharply criticized platforms’…
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