Senate adds reporting and algorithm accountability requirements to social media bill

The Senate adopted an amendment expanding platform reporting and transparency obligations as part of S.3164. Amendment 31 requires covered operators to report numbers and categories of complaints related to mental health disorders, suicidal behaviors, online bullying, exploitation of minors, and marketing for substances or gambling; it also requires disclosure of how complaints are received and whether automated mechanisms are used to respond.

"This amendment will allow lawmakers, the Attorney General's office, and most importantly, the public to gain invaluable insight into the mechanisms, design features, and engagement‑maximizing measures that are deployed by social media platforms to specifically entice minors," Senator Vilas said in floor remarks supporting the amendment. Sponsors described the change as a tool that will allow enforcement and public research into platform practices.

Senators also adopted Amendment 16 requiring annual reporting by the attorney general on complaints and enforcement under the act so the Legislature can monitor impacts on behavioral health and other outcomes. Supporters said those reports are necessary to evaluate whether the interventions are reducing harms in practice.