Technology (Social Media)

in committee · Texas · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 5517: Relating to sexually explicit artificially generated images and videos.

HB 5517 creates a legal remedy for individuals whose images are used without consent in sexually explicit AI-generated content. It allows users to sue social media platforms to remove such content after submitting a good-faith complaint, and successful claimants may recover attorney fees. The bill defines "artificially generated image or video" as AI-created content mimicking real people (including deepfakes), making distribution of such content illegal under amended Penal Code Section 21.165. It directly affects victims of non-consensual AI-generated explicit content, social media platforms, and those distributing such material.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI-generated content to protect privacy, allowing lawsuits against platforms for non-consensual deepfakes, aligning with data privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

Track

in committee · Texas · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 5496: Relating to the disclosure and use of artificial intelligence.

HB 5496 requires businesses using artificial intelligence in Texas to be transparent with residents. It mandates that companies implement industry best practices, provide tools for individuals to detect AI use, explain AI-driven decisions, and prevent biased or discriminatory outcomes. The law directly affects businesses offering goods, services, social media, political ads, or financial services to Texas residents. Violations would be treated as deceptive trade practices under existing law, with the bill taking effect September 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates AI transparency, requires explanations of decisions, and prevents bias - directly advancing consumer protection in AI use.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Social Media

Track

in committee · Texas · House May 14, 2025

HB 2874: Relating to the inclusion of provenance data on content shared on social media platforms.

HB 2874 requires large social media platforms (with over 1.5 million Texas users monthly) to attach metadata showing a file's origin, creation method, or history ("provenance data") to photos, videos, or audio files created on or posted to their platforms. If platforms cannot determine provenance data for a file, they must add a clear notice instead. The bill mandates that users can easily access this data or notice through the platform. It applies to all content types covered by the law and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects major social media companies operating in Texas, not individual users.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires provenance metadata for social media content transparency, enhancing user awareness of content origins to combat misinformation and protect privacy per data privacy indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

Track

passed · Texas · Senate May 25, 2025

SB 2881: Relating to the access and communications settings for accounts of minor users of digital services.

This bill requires digital service providers (like social media platforms) to set default privacy and usage settings for accounts of known minor users (under 18). Default settings include limiting daily usage to one hour, blocking unsolicited messages from strangers, preventing comments/reactions on minors' posts, hiding friend lists publicly, and disabling algorithmic content suggestions. Verified parents can adjust these settings using provided parental tools to control privacy, usage time, and financial transactions. The law directly affects digital services used by minors and their parents in Texas.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires default privacy settings for minors on digital services, protecting data privacy and safety per bill's mandate.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Digital Government Online Safety Social Media

Track

passed · Texas · Senate May 27, 2025

SB 1626: Relating to censorship of or certain other interference with digital expression, including expression on social media platforms or through electronic mail messages.

Texas Senate Bill 1626 clarifies that social media platforms operating in Texas must act as common carriers for digital expression, prohibiting discrimination in content moderation. It directly affects major social media platforms by requiring them to facilitate public debate without restricting content based on viewpoint. The bill amends the Business & Commerce Code to define "social media platform" and aims to prevent federal censorship through platforms, building on prior law H.B. 20. Its key provision mandates that platforms cannot unreasonably remove or restrict user content, ensuring equal access to digital public forums.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires social media platforms to act as common carriers, prohibiting viewpoint-based content moderation, protecting digital expression rights per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

Track

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 3133: Relating to user reports of explicit deep fake material on social media platforms.

HB 3133 requires social media platforms operating in Texas to create an easy-to-use complaint system for users reporting explicit deep fake material. The bill defines "explicit deep fake material" as AI-generated content falsely depicting real people in sexual acts or exposing intimate body parts. Platforms must provide clear, plain-language notice about this system and review complaints about such content within 48 hours (excluding weekends). This law directly affects major social media platforms by mandating specific procedures for handling these reports, without requiring content removal.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires platforms to address AI-generated deepfakes, enhancing user protection against harmful tech applications per defined criteria.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media