U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz has reintroduced the Transparency in Enforcement, Restricting, and Monitoring of Services (TERMS) Act. This legislation aims to prevent online service providers from using broadly worded terms of service agreements to limit access based on political beliefs. The act seeks to ensure transparency by requiring companies like Slack and Eventbrite to clarify their policies and notify users before restricting access.
Senator Cruz emphasized the threat posed by “Big Tech censorship” to free speech, stating that platforms have used vague agreements to silence conservative voices. He said these practices have led businesses to lose revenue and forced conservatives into self-censorship or ceasing operations.
Representative Craig Goldman, who introduced a companion bill in the House, expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the need for transparency in tech company policies.
The TERMS Act is supported by several organizations including Independent Women’s Forum and Family Policy Alliance. It was initially introduced during the last Congress with Senators Roger Wicker and Eric Schmitt as co-sponsors.
The proposed legislation requires public disclosure of acceptable use policies, advance notice of policy changes or terminations, and annual reports detailing enforcement actions.
