Countering Online Harms Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (19 May 2020): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
H.R. 6937, the Countering Online Harms Act, would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to identify, remove, and address various online harms. These harms include scams targeting older adults, intentionally misleading content like deepfakes, and illegal activities such as the sale of opioids and child sexual exploitation. The study would also examine AI's role in combating disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing elections and the promotion of terrorism.
This bill affects the FTC, requiring it to conduct the study and report its findings to Congress. The study's results and recommendations for policies, practices, and potential legislation would be submitted to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in May 2020 by Representative Brett Guthrie. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by either chamber of Congress. If enacted, the FTC would have two years to complete the study and an additional six months to submit its report to Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Countering Online Harms ActThis bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on how artificial intelligence may be used to identify, remove, and take action to address online harms, including (1) scams directed at older adults; (2) intentionally misleading content; (3) disinformation campaigns to influence elections; and (3) content furthering other illegal activity such as the sale of opioids, child sexual exploitation, terrorism, and the sale of counterfeit products.
Timeline
19 May 2020
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6937 do?
- H.R. 6937, the Countering Online Harms Act, would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to identify, remove, and address various online harms. These harms include scams targeting older adults, intentionally misleading content like deepfakes, and illegal activities such as the sale of opioids and child sexual exploitation. The study would also examine AI's role in combating disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing elections and the promotion of terrorism. This bill affects the FTC, requiring it to conduct the study and report its findings to Congress. The study's results and recommendations for policies, practices, and potential legislation would be submitted to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in May 2020 by Representative Brett Guthrie. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by either chamber of Congress. If enacted, the FTC would have two years to complete the study and an additional six months to submit its report to Congress.
- Has H.R. 6937 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 6937. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6937?
- H.R. 6937 was sponsored by Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2] (R-KY), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6937?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (19 May 2020).
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More bills from Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2]
Lower Costs, More Transparency Act of 2026
Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act
Novel, Advanced Spectrum and Communications Technology Networks Promotion Act
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