Summary of S. 797 - The Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act

Date introduced: March 17, 2021

What is this bill about?

This bill aims to make online platforms (like social media sites or websites where users post content) more transparent and accountable in how they manage and moderate user content. It is designed to protect consumers by requiring companies to explain their content rules, give users ways to report harmful or illegal content, and be clear about how they handle those reports.

Key points in simple terms:

• Transparency: Online platforms must publish clear rules (“acceptable use policies”) about what kind of content is allowed.
• User Reporting: Platforms must provide easy ways for users to report content that might break rules or be illegal, including a complaint system and customer support (like a phone line).
• Content Review: Once content is reported, the platform is required to review it and decide whether it breaks their rules. This must be done within set timeframes (typically between 4 to 21 days, depending on the platform’s size).
• Notification and Appeal: If content is removed, the person who posted it must be notified and given a chance to appeal the decision.
• Biannual Transparency Reports: Platforms must publish reports every six months. These reports include data like how many content violations were reported, what actions were taken (removal, demonetization, etc.), appeals filed, and outcomes.
• Exemptions for Smaller Providers: Smaller websites with fewer visitors and less income have fewer requirements to reduce their burden.
• Accountability & Legal Responsibility: Platforms can lose certain legal protections (specifically under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act) if they knowingly allow illegal content to stay online without acting promptly to remove it.
• Government Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce these rules and can take action against platforms that do not follow them.
• Encourages Better Tech & Cooperation: The bill promotes the use of better technologies for spotting illegal or harmful content and encourages platforms to share information to fight bad actors more effectively.
• Whistleblower Study: A report will be done to see if whistleblower protections for platform employees reporting violations would be beneficial.
• Implementation Timeframe: The bill would take effect 18 months after it becomes law, giving platforms time to comply.

Why is this important?

Today, many people use online platforms to communicate, trade, and share ideas. But sometimes harmful or illegal content gets spread, and platforms don't always explain clearly how they moderate it. This bill tries to create a system where users know the rules up front, can easily report problems, and are assured platforms handle issues fairly and transparently. It also tries to prevent platforms from ignoring illegal content after they have been clearly told about it.

Who does this affect?

• Large online platforms: Must follow the full set of rules.
• Small or individual-run websites: Have fewer rules to follow to avoid burdening them.
• Consumers and users: Gain more rights and protections when using online services.

In short:

The PACT Act is about making internet platforms open about their content rules, giving users clear ways to report harmful or illegal posts, making platforms responsible for handling those reports quickly and fairly, and holding platforms legally accountable if they knowingly allow illegal content to stay online.