Algorithmic Regulation

The newsletter for integrity engineering

The Brief

May 12, 2023

📰 May 12th, 2023. Issue #13

A new federal proposal called the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act has been introduced in the US Senate, aiming to establish a national age limit for using social media. The bill would ban anyone 12 and under from creating accounts on social media platforms and restrict the algorithms used by tech companies for users between 13 and 17. It also requires parental consent for individuals under 18 to create a profile. The legislation would introduce a government-run age-verification program overseen by the Department of Commerce, potentially increasing government oversight of social media platforms. The bill is met with skepticism from lawmakers across the ideological spectrum, who are torn between protecting children and preserving the internet as it is.

Think tank

Algorithmic Regulation: The proposed legislation also seeks to curtail the algorithms used by tech companies, particularly those targeting users between 13 and 17.
- AI can aid in monitoring and regulating these algorithms to prevent the creation of purposefully addictive programs that lead vulnerable children down harmful online paths.
- AI algorithms can help identify and mitigate the negative effects of algorithmic recommendations, reducing polarization and safeguarding the well-being of young users.
Age Verification and Compliance: The government-run age-verification program mentioned in the bill would likely rely on AI-based technologies to verify the age of users and ensure compliance with the proposed restrictions.
- AI-powered systems can analyze uploaded identification documents, such as birth certificates or passports, to verify the user's age accurately.
- These systems can help create a more robust and reliable age-verification process, assisting in preventing underage individuals from accessing social media platforms.