Texas lawmakers take aim at online fraud with two new bills mandating disclosure of automated social media bots and prohibiting their use in deceptive business practices

Austin, Texas – In a significant move to safeguard Texans from the growing threat of online deception and fraud, Senator Nathan Johnson has introduced two pivotal bills targeting the misuse of automated social media accounts, or “bots.” These measures aim to enhance transparency and prevent the potential harms caused by these increasingly sophisticated digital entities.

The first bill, known as the Social Media Bots Transparency Act (SB 2637), mandates that social media platforms identify and label accounts operated by bots. This legislation seeks to combat the spread of misinformation by ensuring users can distinguish between human and automated interactions. It also proposes substantial civil penalties, with fines up to $7,500 for each instance where platforms fail to comply.

“The unethical and malevolent use of bots poses a menacing threat to commerce, culture, personal and public safety, and democracy. This is no exaggeration. It’s important that our regulatory protections advance in step with the misuse of advancing technology,” Sen. Johnson said.

The second bill, titled the Digital Deception Prevention Act (SB 2638), directly addresses the use of bots in misleading commercial transactions. It requires that any use of bots for business purposes be clearly disclosed to consumers, aiming to foster an environment of trust and transparency in digital communications. Additionally, the bill classifies deceptive bot usage as a fraudulent trade practice and strictly prohibits bots from playing any role in election interference.

Senator Johnson, who was re-elected in 2024 for a third term, has been a proactive advocate for consumer protection and technological ethics. Representing nearly a million residents of Dallas County in the diverse and rapidly growing Senate District 16, his legislative efforts reflect a deep commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by digital technology.

As these bills move through the legislative process, they signify a broader push to adapt regulatory frameworks to the realities of modern technology, ensuring that advancements serve the public good without compromising individual rights or democratic processes.