Bill > SB3454

This bill, the Better Social Media Feeds Act, aims to increase transparency and user control over online platforms that use algorithmic recommender systems, which are computational processes that determine what content users see, such as search results or recommendations. Starting January 1, 2027, covered online platforms, defined as businesses operating in the state that use these systems with personal data, must prominently display a list of each algorithmic recommender system they use, describe the data inputs and their sources for each system, and disclose the weights, or numerical settings, used in these systems, categorized by their importance. Furthermore, for all services and features that utilize personal data, these systems must, by default, be configured to prioritize "long-term user value metrics," which represent outcomes aligned with a user's forward-looking preferences rather than just maximizing engagement, a term defined as user interactions like clicks or likes. This default setting also applies to systems used for minors. The bill also mandates that platforms conduct annual "long-term assessments" using a "holdout group" of users to evaluate the impact of algorithmic changes on user value and well-being, and to publicly disclose the results of these assessments. Violations of this Act will be considered unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, granting the Attorney General enforcement powers.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3454&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104