PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 15, 2021
Justice Against Malicious Algorithms Act of 2021
This bill limits federal liability protection that applies to a provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) for claims related to content provided by a third party if the provider makes personalized recommendations of online content that cause physical or emotional injury.
Specifically, the liability protection (sometimes referred to as Section 230 protection) shall not apply to a service provider that
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has more than 5 million monthly visitors for more than 3 of the preceding 12 months,
uses an algorithm or similar computational process to make personalized recommendations based on information specific to an individual, and
knowingly or recklessly makes a personalized recommendation that materially contributes to a physical or severe emotional injury to a person.
However, the liability protection shall continue to apply to (1) recommendations made directly in response to a user's search; and (2) service providers of web hosting, domain registration, data storage, and related services that are used by another service provider in the management, control, or operation of that provider's services.
People & committees
Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6] · D–NJ
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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