Policymakers should make social media companies financially accountable for the psychological and social impacts of their algorithms.

Social media platforms play a powerful role in shaping our minds, communities, and society at large. As empirical research increasingly shows, the impact of social media on our mental health, relationships, and collective well-being is profound. But behind each carefully curated feed is an algorithm designed not with our best interests in mind, but rather to maximize user engagement—and, ultimately, corporate profits.

These algorithms determine what content each of us sees, fuelling divisiveness, amplifying harmful content, and driving a culture of constant comparison and anxiety. While much of the political discussion has focused on removing harmful or illegal content from these platforms, it’s time to shift our attention to the algorithms that are driving these impacts in the first place. Content moderation is inherently challenging and poses questions around freedom of speech. Social media companies cannot be held accountable for the views and actions of their users, but must be held accountable for the harm their algorithms are causing.

This petition urges policymakers to require social media companies to take responsibility for the outcomes of their algorithms. To hold these Big Tech companies to account, we can push for:

• Transparency: Mandating that social media companies disclose how their algorithms operate and their impact on users.
• Independent Audits: Requiring third-party assessments of these algorithms to identify and address harmful effects.
• Public Accountability: Ensuring platforms release regular reports on the social and psychological impacts of their algorithms.

This is a crucial step toward a safer, more responsible digital environment. Join us in urging legislators to hold social media companies to account for the social and psychological harm caused by their algorithms. It’s time to put people before profit.