Platform Accountability and Transparency Act: Data Access for Researchers and Algorithm Disclosure
This Act requires large internet platforms (meeting specific user and functionality criteria) to provide privacy-protected data access to independent researchers studying their societal impact. It establishes appropriate privacy and cybersecurity safeguards for this research. Furthermore, platforms must publicly disclose information regarding recommender algorithms, highly disseminated content, and practices regarding advertising and content moderation.
Key points
Platforms must share qualified data (excluding private messages and biometric info) with approved researchers from US universities and non-profit organizations.
The Act mandates public repositories showing advertisements, their targeting parameters, and content that is highly disseminated.
Persons conducting journalism or research projects receive legal protection (safe harbor) when collecting publicly available information from platforms using covered digital investigation methods.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and NSF oversee the research program and establish security requirements to protect data.
Introduced
Citizen Poll