Filter Bubble Transparency Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (10 Nov 2021): Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
What this bill does
The Filter Bubble Transparency Act, introduced in the House of Representatives, aims to provide users with more control over how online platforms use their data. If enacted, large online platforms that use artificial intelligence or machine learning to personalize content based on user data not directly provided by the user would be required to notify users about this practice.
The bill would also mandate that these platforms offer users a version that operates solely on data they have expressly provided, allowing them to switch between the personalized and non-personalized versions. These requirements would not apply to smaller search engines with fewer than 1,000 employees that use an index from a larger provider, although those larger providers would have to make their algorithms available to these smaller search engines.
As H.R. 5921, the bill was introduced in November 2021 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process for debate, amendment, or a vote in either the House or the Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Filter Bubble Transparency Act This bill establishes requirements for large online platforms that use algorithms applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to user-specific data to determine the manner in which content is displayed to users. Specifically, if an online platform applies such techniques to user-specific data that is not expressly provided by the user, the platform must (1) notify users that the platform uses such data, and (2) make a version of the platform available that uses only user-specific data that has been expressly provided by the user and which enables users to switch between the two platforms.
These requirements do not apply to search engines operated by downstream providers with fewer than 1,000 employees and that have an agreement to access an index of web pages from an upstream provider. However, the bill requires such upstream providers to make their algorithm available to downstream providers as part of such an agreement.
Timeline
10 Nov 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5921 do?
- The Filter Bubble Transparency Act, introduced in the House of Representatives, aims to provide users with more control over how online platforms use their data. If enacted, large online platforms that use artificial intelligence or machine learning to personalize content based on user data not directly provided by the user would be required to notify users about this practice. The bill would also mandate that these platforms offer users a version that operates solely on data they have expressly provided, allowing them to switch between the personalized and non-personalized versions. These requirements would not apply to smaller search engines with fewer than 1,000 employees that use an index from a larger provider, although those larger providers would have to make their algorithms available to these smaller search engines. As H.R. 5921, the bill was introduced in November 2021 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process for debate, amendment, or a vote in either the House or the Senate.
- Has H.R. 5921 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5921. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5921?
- H.R. 5921 was sponsored by Rep. Buck, Ken [R-CO-4] (R-CO), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5921?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. (10 Nov 2021).
Related bills in Commerce
Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act
Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act of 2026
Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2026
Combating Foreign Threats to Main Street Act of 2026
More bills from Rep. Buck, Ken [R-CO-4]
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.