DETOUR Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jul 2023): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
The DETOUR Act (S. 2708) would prohibit large online operators—defined as companies providing an online service with more than 100 million authenticated users in a 30-day period, and subject to FTC jurisdiction—from designing or manipulating user interfaces in ways that obscure or impair users' autonomy, decision-making, or choice in order to obtain consent or personal data. It would also bar these companies from segmenting users into groups for behavioral research without their affirmative, informed consent, and from designing interfaces aimed at children or teens that encourage compulsive usage, such as unconsented video auto-play. Companies conducting behavioral research on users would have to regularly disclose that research, allow users to opt out, delete improperly obtained data, and establish independent review boards, which would need to register with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The bill primarily affects the largest online platforms and their users, particularly children and teens who would receive additional protections against manipulative design and compulsive-use features. It also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop guidance on user-interface design supporting autonomy and consent, and tasks the FTC with writing implementing regulations, enforcing violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and creating a safe harbor for operators acting in good faith under FTC-defined standards.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 27, 2023, by Senator Mark Warner with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not received a committee or floor vote, and, as noted in the official summary, did not advance during the 118th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
27 Jul 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 2708 do?
- The DETOUR Act (S. 2708) would prohibit large online operators—defined as companies providing an online service with more than 100 million authenticated users in a 30-day period, and subject to FTC jurisdiction—from designing or manipulating user interfaces in ways that obscure or impair users' autonomy, decision-making, or choice in order to obtain consent or personal data. It would also bar these companies from segmenting users into groups for behavioral research without their affirmative, informed consent, and from designing interfaces aimed at children or teens that encourage compulsive usage, such as unconsented video auto-play. Companies conducting behavioral research on users would have to regularly disclose that research, allow users to opt out, delete improperly obtained data, and establish independent review boards, which would need to register with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The bill primarily affects the largest online platforms and their users, particularly children and teens who would receive additional protections against manipulative design and compulsive-use features. It also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop guidance on user-interface design supporting autonomy and consent, and tasks the FTC with writing implementing regulations, enforcing violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and creating a safe harbor for operators acting in good faith under FTC-defined standards. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 27, 2023, by Senator Mark Warner with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not received a committee or floor vote, and, as noted in the official summary, did not advance during the 118th Congress.
- Has S. 2708 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2708. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2708?
- S. 2708 was sponsored by Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA] (D-VA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2708?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (27 Jul 2023).
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