Senators propose to let users sue tech giants for harmful algos

A pair of bipartisan senators wants to hold social media giants accountable for pushing content that radicalizes Americans.

Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Algorithm Accountability Act Wednesday, which seeks to amend [PDF] section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to force a duty of care on social media platforms. That duty, says the duo, requires platforms to abandon algorithms that push harmful content. 

"Too many families have been hurt by social media algorithms designed with one goal: make money by getting people hooked," Kelly said in a joint press release. "Over and over again, these companies refuse to take responsibility when their platforms contribute to violence, crime, or self-harm. We're going to change that." 

If it were to pass - and that's a big if - the law would amend section 230, added to the books in 1996, which has served as a shield for ...