Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED)
Our initiative is a public health incubator, designed to cultivate novel insights and strategies for prevention. We introduce trainees to a rich array of disciplinary perspectives, methodologies, and theories and provide them with opportunities to join crosscutting collaborative teams.
Massachusetts Bill S.51: Holding Social Media Platforms Accountable
Legislative Updates
In early 2025, Massachusetts Senator John C. Velis introduced Senate Bill S.51, An Act Relative to Social Media, Algorithm Accountability, and Transparency. This first-of-its-kind legislation builds on STRIPED’s Roadmap for Social Media Transparency and Platform Accountability and seeks to hold social media companies accountable for platform designs that harm youth.
Although the Legislature ultimately decided to advance other social media bills and S.51 will not move forward this session, we are proud of what this first-time bill accomplished. With strong support from the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, it received a favorable committee report and advanced to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. We are deeply grateful to Senator Velis and his team for their leadership and encouraged by the widespread support the bill received. We look forward to building on this momentum and renewing the campaign in the next legislative session.
Bill Information
Sponsored by Massachusetts Senator John C. Velis in the 2025-2026 legislative session, An Act relative to social media, algorithm accountability, and transparency (Senate Bill S.51) would require large social media platforms to undergo independent algorithm risk audits focused on harms to children, mental health issues, disordered eating, and addiction-like behaviors. The bill establishes a new Office of Social Media Transparency and Accountability under the Attorney General, mandates annual public transparency reports from platforms, and sets enforceable benchmarks to reduce harm. If enacted, S.51 would position Massachusetts as a national leader in digital accountability.