Every day, billions of people around the world log onto social media platforms, where they rely on these networks for news, connections, and conversations. However, the information shared on social media is not always accurate, leading to widespread misinformation and deception that is drastically affecting society. I hope that my proposal, below, will be a starting point for real conversation and change.

I have personally witnessed the harm that bots and misinformation can cause, especially to seniors. Every time I log onto social media, I see dubious claims shared, manipulated images circulated, and far-fetched conspiracy theories rapidly gaining traction. It's challenging to discern fact from fiction when falsehoods are dispersed so swiftly and convincingly.  According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that fake news and misinformation create substantial challenges for the country. The spread of false information and bots on social media is influencing major democratic processes.

Therefore, we urge Congress to introduce a Social Media Truth and Transparency Act, which aims to hold social media platforms accountable by requiring them to implement a simple system to verify factual claims. 

                      IS THIS REAL?

A Petition to the United States Congress for the Social Media Truth and Transparency Act
To the Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives:

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition Congress to enact legislation requiring social media platforms to provide a simple, accessible, and independent system for verifying factual claims shared online.

A Big Problem
Social media has become one of the primary ways Americans receive news, learn about current events, and exchange information. Demonstrably false and misleading information can spread to millions of people before its accuracy is questioned.

Fabricated news stories, manipulated images, misleading statistics, and false claims about public safety, healthcare, government, and current events can influence decisions and distort public understanding.

While fact-checking resources exist, using them often requires considerable time, effort, and research skills. Many users lack the resources or knowledge needed to independently investigate every questionable claim they encounter.

We believe access to factual verification should be as simple as clicking the Like button. Technology now makes it possible to provide this service directly within social media platforms.

Our Proposal
We ask Congress to establish reasonable, enforceable standards requiring major social media platforms to implement consumer-protection features. Below is an example.

1. A Simple "Is This Real?" Button

Every post containing factual claims  should include a small, recognizable "Is This Real?" button alongside existing features such as Like, Comment, and Share.

A single tap would initiate a fact-checking request without requiring the user to leave the platform, complete a complicated report, or conduct independent research.

The platform would use AI-assisted research tools, reliable sources, and independent verification procedures to evaluate the factual claims.

2. Automatic Replacement After Verification

Once a post has been reviewed, the "Is This Real?" button should disappear and automatically be replaced by a compact verification-status button.

The proposed ratings would include:

✓ Verified: Available evidence supports the factual claim.
⚠️ Caution: The post contains materially misleading information, significant factual inaccuracies, or omissions that substantially distort its meaning.
🚨 Warning: The post contains demonstrably false information presenting a credible risk of serious harm, such as dangerous medical misinformation or fraudulent claims.
? Unverified: Available evidence is insufficient to reliably determine accuracy.
These indicators should be readily recognizable without being unnecessarily intrusive.

3. Tap the Status Button for an Explanation

Every verification-status indicator also functions as an interactive button. Users who wish to learn more can tap the indicator to view supporting evidence and links to reliable sources. 

4. Once a post has been reviewed, the existing verification result should be available to subsequent viewers. Verification results should be updated when material new evidence becomes available.

5. Independent and Accountable Fact-Checking.

 Verification must rely on transparent, evidence-based standards rather than political affiliation, popularity, ideology, or the number of complaints received. AI technology may assist with researching claims and locating supporting information, but it must not serve as the sole authority for consequential determinations. Independent human oversight, regular accuracy audits, and meaningful appeal procedures should be required.

6. Protect Freedom of Speech

This proposal is not intended to censor lawful expression or give government officials authority to determine which opinions Americans may express. The system must distinguish between objectively verifiable factual claims and subjective opinions, satire, personal beliefs, political commentary, and legitimate disagreements. A post should not receive an adverse rating merely because someone finds its content offensive or disagrees with its viewpoint.

7. Consumer Protection and Platform Accountability

Social media companies benefit financially from the widespread sharing of user-generated content.

We ask Congress to establish reasonable standards requiring covered platforms to provide accessible factual-verification tools and transparent procedures for their operation. Platforms should publish regular reports describing the number of verification requests, completed reviews, disputed findings, corrected errors, and successful appeals.

Our Request to Congress
We respectfully urge Congress to conduct hearings, consult independent technology experts and constitutional scholars, and introduce legislation establishing a national framework for accessible, independent, and transparent social media fact-checking.

Sign This Petition
Join us in asking Congress to make accessible, independent fact-checking a standard feature of major social media platforms.