# What This Bill Does

This bill is designed to crack down on fake social media accounts and profiles that are used to harm people. It requires major social media companies to have systems in place to identify and remove accounts that impersonate real people or use someone else's name or photo, especially when those fake accounts are being used to commit fraud, harassment, or other crimes.

The bill applies to social media platforms with at least 100,000 users—so it covers the big players like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, but not tiny platforms or services like email, shopping websites, or news sites with comment sections. If you report a fake account that's impersonating you or someone else to a social media company, they'll have 45 days to investigate and remove it if they confirm it's deceptive. If they decide the account isn't actually fake, they have to explain why within that same timeframe and tell you how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

The bill also creates consequences for people who abuse this system by filing false reports. Social media companies would need to warn repeat offenders, suspend their accounts, or ban them entirely. The Federal Trade Commission gets the power to enforce these rules and can fine companies that don't comply, though companies get a reasonable chance to fix problems before facing penalties. Within two years, the FTC has to report back to Congress on how well this is working and whether any changes are needed.

Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act

Kinzinger, Adam

Social Media Accountability and Account Verification Act This bill requires a social media company to remove a deceptive or fraudulent account or profile from its platform and to verify the creator of an account that is alleged to be deceptive or fraudulent. Specifically, a social media company must establish a means whereby a user may request the investigation and removal of a deceptive account or profile. The social media company must expeditiously remove or disable access to a deceptive account or profile and any materials or messages published therefrom. Further, a social media company must notify a user who submits such a request of any reasons underlying a determination that an account or profile is not deceptive, and it must take escalating actions against an individual who makes false or bad faith requests for the investigation and removal of an account or profile.