Bill Overview
Title: Countering Foreign Malign Influence Act of 2022
Description: This bill modifies authorities related to the Social Media Data and Threat Analysis Center. For example, it increases the number of types of entities and organizations participating in the center, it increases the scope of activities which the center is to facilitate, and it requires the center to develop and make public criteria for examining social media which are consistent with civil liberties protections.
Sponsors: Rep. Maloney, Sean Patrick [D-NY-18]
Target Audience
Population: Social media users worldwide
Estimated Size: 230000000
- The bill modifies authorities related to a center analyzing social media data and threats, indicating its focus on the digital realm.
- Increased participation and activities could mean a wider net on information gathering, potentially impacting more social media users globally.
- Social media platforms have billions of users worldwide, suggesting a large population could be indirectly influenced.
- The involvement of civil liberties protections suggests the act aims to address impacts on individuals' rights and freedoms.
Reasoning
- The policy targets social media data analysis, potentially affecting individuals engaged with such platforms.
- Users on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram might be impacted by changes in privacy and data handling procedures.
- The annual budget suggests a moderate-large program affecting millions across the US, though primarily indirectly.
- Wellbeing effects might focus on privacy and civil liberties perception rather than immediate tangible benefits.
- The demographic most impacted is likely younger, tech-savvy populations that regularly use social media for communication and news.
- Demographically diverse personas should be represented to adequately capture varying impacts across populations.
Simulated Interviews
Digital Marketing Specialist (Austin, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm always wary of policies regarding data because of privacy concerns.
- If they ensure civil liberties, it might be beneficial in reducing harmful influence from foreign entities.
- I hope it doesn't affect how I operate for marketing purposes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
College Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel safer knowing there are checks to protect against misinformation.
- However, I hope it doesn't mean my data will be more scrutinized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It could be a useful tool in combating misinformation that's rampant on social platforms.
- But any policy infringing on freedom of press would be concerning, but it seems protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
IT Consultant (Chicago, IL)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improvements in analyzing threats are necessary, given current vulnerabilities.
- Ensuring freedom while increasing safety is crucial.
- I am optimistic about the policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired School Teacher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Secure social media is good, but not sure how much it changes for someone like me.
- As long as my privacy is respected, the policy seems fine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies affecting social media could impact my business operations.
- If it helps protect data integrity without over-regulation, it's beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Stay-at-home Parent (Fargo, ND)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've heard of online threats, so maybe such a policy is needed.
- I don't think it will affect my daily usage much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cybersecurity Specialist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act seems necessary to address existing blind spots in data threat analysis.
- Protection of civil liberties must be prioritized within such expansions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
UX Designer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring privacy and security on social media is paramount.
- The policy looks comprehensive but I'll reserve judgment till I see outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Retired Engineer (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support measures that enhance security, though I'm not personally affected.
- As long as it respects privacy, I'm fine with proposed changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $125000000, High: $175000000)
Year 2: $160000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $190000000)
Year 3: $170000000 (Low: $135000000, High: $205000000)
Year 5: $185000000 (Low: $145000000, High: $225000000)
Year 10: $210000000 (Low: $160000000, High: $260000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring that privacy and civil liberties are adequately protected could increase costs related to legal and compliance expertise.
- The pace of technological evolution on social media requires flexibility in policy responses, potentially adjusting cost estimates.
- Collaborations with a multitude of entities may introduce complexities in coordination and sharing of information.