Sen Markey and Rep Matsui Reintroduce the Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act

Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) reintroduced their Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act. Specifically, the Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act would:

1. Prohibit algorithmic processes on online platforms that discriminate based on race, age, gender, ability and other protected characteristics;
2. Establish a safety and effectiveness standard for algorithms, such that online platforms may not employ automated processes which harm users or fail to ensure algorithms achieve their intended purposes;
3. Require online platforms to describe to users in plain language the types of algorithmic processes they employ and the information they collect to power them;
4. Require online platforms to maintain detailed records describing their algorithmic process for review by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in compliance with key privacy and data de-identification standards;
5. Require online platforms to publish annual public reports detailing their content moderation practices; and,
6. Create an inter-agency task force comprised of entities including the FTC, Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Commerce, and Department of Justice to investigate the discriminatory algorithmic processes employed in sectors across the economy.