Washington
Congressional Proposal Targets Social Media Bots with Bots Research Act
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Key points
- Representative Mark DeSaulnier introduced HR 10775 to establish an FTC task force studying automated social media accounts.
- The panel will examine how bots affect public discourse and elections using experts from government, academia, non-profits, and industry.
- Task force members will serve without pay or travel expenses, and the bill remains pending in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
NewsWK — Lawmakers in Washington are taking aim at automated accounts operating across popular digital platforms. Representative Mark DeSaulnier introduced HR 10775 to study how automated social media profiles influence public debate and American elections. The proposal mandates federal research without adding direct compensation costs for panel appointees.
How does the FTC bots task force bill impact online discourse?
The FTC bots task force bill targets automated accounts to analyze their role in online communication. By evaluating automated profiles on social media, the initiative aims to assess how synthetic activity affects public discourse and elections. The Federal Trade Commission would lead this administrative inquiry using existing agency personnel and appointed experts.
Under the legislation on social media bots, the FTC Chairman must form a study group within 90 days of enactment. Also, FTC staff and officials must provide administrative assistance to support the research effort.
What are the main requirements of the Bots Research Act?
The Bots Research Act establishes strict membership rules for the new study panel. Appointees must hold clear expertise in automation technology to evaluate online bots accurately. Because members serve without pay or travel expenses, the measure limits direct spending. Meanwhile, the panel utilizes both private and public sector knowledge.
What is the Mark DeSaulnier social media bots bill proposing?
Representative Mark DeSaulnier introduced the bill during the 119th Congress on October 9, 2026. Next, House leaders referred the measure to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The study panel must include representatives from key sectors:
- Federal Government agencies
- Academic institutions
- Non-profit organizations
- Private industry sector
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
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