Overview

Social media platforms are now the primary source of news and public discourse, but misinformation, AI-generated content, and foreign interference have eroded trust in online information. Anonymity, while vital for protecting some, is exploited by bad actors—anonymous accounts, bot networks, and undisclosed influencers—to manipulate perception with little accountability. This blurs the line between authentic voices and deceptive campaigns.

The Digital Integrity Alliance (DIA) is dedicated to defending free speech while ensuring transparency so users can trust what they see. We urge lawmakers to pass legislation requiring social media platforms to implement identity verification and disclose the origin of posts. These measures will not infringe on free speech but will ensure that users can make informed decisions about the credibility of the content they consume.

Our proposed legislation includes the following key components:

1. User Authenticity Verification: Social media platforms must implement secure, non-invasive identity verification to ensure that users are real individuals or registered organizations using secure, accessible methods.

• Users who prefer to remain anonymous may do so, but their accounts must be clearly labeled as unverified.

• Whistleblowers and activists needing anonymity will have special protections.

• Unverified accounts will be labeled as such.

2. Content Origin Disclosure: Platforms must provide clear indicators on posts to disclose whether the content was generated by a verified user, organization, AI, or foreign entity.

• Content producers must disclose any and all paid content funding sources.

• AI-generated or manipulated media must carry labels indicating its artificial nature.

3. Accountability for Platform Algorithms: Platforms must provide transparency into how their algorithms prioritize content, particularly regarding political, health, and public safety information.

• Users should have access to an explanation of why they see specific content.

• Oversight will ensure ethical practices in shaping public discourse.

4. Public Database of Influence Campaigns: A public database will track coordinated manipulation efforts, aiding research and response.

Why This Matters

• Protects Democracy – Misinformation and foreign interference threaten democratic processes. Transparency ensures citizens have access to credible information when making decisions.

• Empowers Individuals – Users deserve the ability to assess the trustworthiness of their information sources.

• Holds Platforms Accountable – Social media companies profit from engagement, often at the expense of truth. Transparency regulations will drive more ethical content distribution.

Challenges

Balancing transparency with privacy, simplifying verification, and securing platform cooperation are hurdles. The DIA will continue to collaborate with experts to address these through smart, privacy-respecting solutions. A technology blueprint to support our policy proposal can be found here.

Your Support Matters

DIA is working with lawmakers, technology experts, and advocacy groups to make these policies a reality. You can help by supporting our initiatives, contacting your representatives, and demanding action on digital transparency legislation.

Together, we can build a digital world where truth is protected, and citizens can engage in discourse with confidence.