Language-Inclusive Support and Transparency for Online Services Act of 2025; LISTOS Act of 2025
Summary
The Language-Inclusive Support and Transparency for Online Services Act of 2025 (LISTOS Act) aims to ensure that large online platforms address the needs of non-English speaking users. It mandates consistent enforcement of platform policies across languages and requires disclosures on staffing and automated processes related to content moderation. The bill also establishes an advisory group to provide guidance on language-sensitive technologies.
Expected Effects
The LISTOS Act will likely lead to increased investment by online platforms in non-English content moderation and support. This could result in a reduction of harmful content targeting non-English speaking communities. The Act also promotes greater transparency regarding content moderation practices across different languages.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection for non-English speaking users from harmful content.
- Increased transparency in content moderation practices of online platforms.
- Promotion of equitable access to digital spaces for diverse linguistic communities.
- Potential for improved economic opportunities, public health, and civil rights for non-English speakers.
- Creation of an advisory group to guide best practices in language-sensitive technologies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance costs for covered platforms, potentially leading to higher user fees or reduced services.
- Potential for overly broad regulations that could stifle free speech.
- Challenges in accurately assessing and addressing the nuances of content moderation across all languages.
- Risk of unintended consequences from automated content detection and decision-making processes.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the rulemaking process and establishment of the advisory group.
Constitutional Alignment
The LISTOS Act's focus on ensuring equitable access to online services and protecting users from harm aligns with the Constitution's aim to "promote the general Welfare." However, the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech raises concerns about potential overreach in content moderation requirements. The Act includes a rule of construction limiting regulation to avoid requiring specific actions on content, which attempts to mitigate these concerns.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).