Free Speech Accountability & Transparency Act (FSAT Act)
Purpose
To ensure transparency, accountability, and neutrality in content moderation practices on major social media platforms. This act introduces penalties for unjust censorship, mandates staff bias training, and creates a federally maintained speech protection grading system to protect civil liberties online.
How the FSAT Act Works
As the digital public square grows in power and influence, it must be held to basic standards of fairness. The FSAT Act is not about federal overreach—it’s about restoring the voice of everyday Americans and ensuring no platform becomes judge, jury, and silencer without recourse.
Who It Affects
Any digital platform with more than 10 million monthly active users in the United States.
Core Requirements
Content Moderation Disclosure
Platforms must publish their moderation rules clearly and consistently. This includes what constitutes “harmful” content, how decisions are made, the role of AI, and what users can do if their content is removed.Bias Prevention Training
Platforms must require formal training for all staff involved in content moderation to prevent personal, political, or ideological bias from impacting decisions.Censorship Reporting Portal
A federally managed, independent complaint system will allow users to report unjust moderation or censorship. These reports will be publicly logged, reviewed, and included in an annual transparency audit.Speech Protection Grading System
The FTC will implement an annual grading system that rates each covered platform on its adherence to transparency and neutrality. This grade will be made public to guide users, investors, and advertisers.
Reporting Requirements
Platforms must report annually to the FTC with:
Number and types of removed posts
Summary of flagged and reversed moderation decisions
Requests from federal, state, or local governments to moderate content
Actions taken against users based on alleged misinformation or hate speech
Penalties for Noncompliance
Fines up to $250,000 per violation
FTC enforcement actions
Civil liability for proven harm from discriminatory censorship
Why It Matters
The FSAT Act brings accountability to the modern information ecosystem. By requiring transparency and fair practice, this legislation protects speech rights while helping Americans understand how digital platforms operate. It prevents ideological discrimination and empowers users to challenge unjust censorship with real recourse.
