Bill Overview
Title: Identifying Mass Shooters Act
Description: This bill requires the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to report to Congress on the content patterns used by mass shooters through online platforms and social media channels. Additionally, the bill directs the NIJ to identify items for further study that are identified in the report. Finally, the bill requires the NIJ to submit findings and federal legislative recommendations to Congress.
Sponsors: Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
Target Audience
Population: People who use online platforms and social media
Estimated Size: 231000000
- The bill impacts individuals who use online platforms and social media, as these are the channels being monitored for content patterns.
- Social media companies and online platform providers will also be impacted as their data might be subjected to analysis.
- Law enforcement agencies may be affected since they could use the recommendations derived from the study to identify potential threats.
- Individuals concerned with privacy might feel impacted due to the data being analyzed for behavioral patterns.
- Policymakers and legislative bodies might be influenced by the findings and recommendations of the report to create new laws or modify existing legislation.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects individuals and organizations involved with or using online platforms and social media.
- Its impact is broad, but deep impacts are more likely among individuals who are heavily engaged in discussions or activities that might raise red flags under such a policy.
- Privacy-concerned individuals, social media companies, law enforcement, and policymakers will likely have significant opinions and varying impacts on their wellbeing.
- The population is vast and diverse, with a variety of opinions, making it crucial to include a broad spectrum of perspectives.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy might rely on existing technological infrastructure and personnel efficiencies, affecting the depth and reach of its implementation.
Simulated Interviews
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the invasion of privacy with these types of laws.
- It's important to ensure technology is used ethically in gathering this data.
- I hope there's transparency about how information is collected and used.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Marketing Specialist (Austin, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good if it helps prevent shootings.
- I'm not very concerned as long as it doesn't disrupt my work or privacy unnecessarily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Social Media Manager (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the value in identifying dangerous behaviors.
- There might be an impact on how platforms operate, which could affect my strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Law Enforcement Officer (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide invaluable insights into preventing violence.
- Balancing security and privacy is crucial, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
University Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There are concerns about freedom of expression.
- Transparency on how findings are used is important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Data Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- When used wisely, this policy could help improve safety.
- Maintaining ethical standards is very important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't mind if it improves safety.
- I don't use social media much, worried about my grandchildren though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Non-Profit Director (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Balancing surveillance with privacy is tricky.
- This could inform better legislative actions if handled correctly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Influencer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Very concerned about potential impacts on social media reach.
- Wary of anything that could change current engagement dynamics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
Teacher (Denver, CO)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If handled correctly, this policy can be educational.
- It's important for students to learn online engagement safety.
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 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $4500000 (Low: $3500000, High: $5500000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 100: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Key Considerations
- The bill primarily affects federal budget expenditures related to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
- Privacy concerns may arise from monitoring and analysis of online activity.
- The effectiveness of the bill in preventing mass shootings and its subsequent cost-saving implications are uncertain but potentially significant.