Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2019
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (11 Apr 2019): Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
What this bill does
H.R. 2231, the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2019, would require certain commercial entities to conduct assessments of their automated decision systems and data handling practices. These assessments would be necessary for systems deemed "high-risk," which are defined as those that could lead to inaccurate, biased, or discriminatory outcomes, or those that involve the personal information of many people, raise privacy or security concerns, or monitor public areas. The assessments would detail the system, analyze its costs and benefits, identify privacy and security risks, and outline steps to minimize those risks.
The bill affects "covered entities," defined as companies with significant gross receipts or that possess personal information on over one million consumers or devices. Data brokers and similar entities are also included. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for creating regulations within two years of the bill's enactment to implement these assessment requirements. These regulations would mandate assessments for both existing and new high-risk systems before they are implemented.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2019, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. As of the provided information, its latest action is "Introduced." This means it has not yet been debated, amended, or voted on by any committees or the full House or Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2019 This bill requires specified commercial entities to conduct assessments of high-risk systems that involve personal information or make automated decisions, such as systems that use artificial intelligence or machine learning. Specifically, high-risk automated decision systems include those that (1) may contribute to inaccuracy, bias, or discrimination; or (2) facilitate decision-making about sensitive aspects of consumers' lives by evaluating consumers' behavior. Further, an automated-decision system, or information system involving personal data, is considered high-risk if it (1) raises security or privacy concerns, (2) involves the personal information of a significant number of people, or (3) systematically monitors a large, publicly accessible physical location. Assessments of high-risk automated-decision systems must (1) describe the system in detail, (2) assess the relative costs and benefits of the system, (3) determine the risks to the privacy and security of personal information, and (4) explain the steps taken to minimize those risks, if discovered. Assessments of high-risk information systems involving personal information must evaluate the extent to which the system protects the privacy and security of such information.
Timeline
11 Apr 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2231 do?
- H.R. 2231, the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2019, would require certain commercial entities to conduct assessments of their automated decision systems and data handling practices. These assessments would be necessary for systems deemed "high-risk," which are defined as those that could lead to inaccurate, biased, or discriminatory outcomes, or those that involve the personal information of many people, raise privacy or security concerns, or monitor public areas. The assessments would detail the system, analyze its costs and benefits, identify privacy and security risks, and outline steps to minimize those risks. The bill affects "covered entities," defined as companies with significant gross receipts or that possess personal information on over one million consumers or devices. Data brokers and similar entities are also included. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for creating regulations within two years of the bill's enactment to implement these assessment requirements. These regulations would mandate assessments for both existing and new high-risk systems before they are implemented. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2019, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. As of the provided information, its latest action is "Introduced." This means it has not yet been debated, amended, or voted on by any committees or the full House or Senate.
- Has H.R. 2231 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2231. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2231?
- H.R. 2231 was sponsored by Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9] (D-NY), with 31 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2231?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. (11 Apr 2019).
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