US could ban 'addictive' autoplay videos and infinite scrolling online

Re:US could ban 'addictive' autoplay videos and infinite scr... by 33mhz on Wednesday July 31, 2019 @08:15AM (#20573727)

The scope of this bill is within social media networks, and is not blanket autoplay and infinite scroll - it seems to be aiming specifically at automated UI that the user has not indicated they want, and has no option to stop. It has a number of other provisions. It requires the defaults to be "off". It requires legal agreements' Yes/No buttons be standardized on the site and neutral (no split fonts, colors, sizes, etc).

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:US could ban 'addictive' autoplay videos and infinite scr... by 33mhz on Wednesday July 31, 2019 @08:19AM (#20573761)

"To prohibit social media companies from using practices that exploit human psychology or brain physiology to substantially impede freedom of choice, to require social media companies to take measures to mitigate the risks of internet addiction and psychological exploitation, and for other purposes."

"...unlawful for a social media company to operate a social media platform that uses..."

* Infinite scroll/auto refill beyond what a user has specified

* No natural stopping points

* Autoplay without user intent

* Badges/awards linked to engagement but not linked to services/content/function

* Opt-in options have to be standardized

It then requires companies to allow users to set limits on their own daily use, automatically set defaults, and regularly notify users of their continued use.

But "...shall not apply to any portion of a social media platform that consists only of a predominantly text-based, direct message service such as email or a service that is substantially similar to email."

https://www.hawley.senate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-07/So...

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