Senator Nathan Johnson has introduced two legislative bills designed to protect Texans from online deception, misinformation, and fraud associated with automated social media accounts, commonly known as "bots." The announcement was made through a press release on March 20, 2025.
According to the press release, Senator Johnson filed Senate Bill (SB) 2637, titled the Social Media Bots Transparency Act. This bill seeks to enhance accountability on digital platforms by requiring social media companies to label automated accounts that mimic human activity. It mandates clear warnings about potential misinformation spread by bots and enforces penalties of up to $7,500 per violation for noncompliance. The aim is to improve transparency in online interactions.
Johnson also introduced SB 2638, known as the Digital Deception Prevention Act. This legislation aims to combat fraudulent bot usage in commercial and political spaces. It prohibits deceptive bot-driven transactions, requires businesses to disclose bot interactions, classifies misleading bot usage as a fraudulent trade practice, and bans bots from engaging in election-related activities. The goal is to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of democratic processes.
"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," said Johnson.
According to the Texas Senate, Senator Nathan Johnson represents nearly one million residents in Senate District 16, which covers a rapidly growing and diverse region in Dallas County. Elected in 2018, he has focused on healthcare, infrastructure, government transparency, and economic policy. His legislative efforts include expanding healthcare access, strengthening the electrical grid, and improving state agency accountability. Johnson has filed multiple bills addressing issues such as bot misuse, destination gaming resorts, and Medicaid expansion. A practicing attorney at Thompson Coburn LLP with degrees in physics and law, he has also composed musical scores for the anime series Dragon Ball Z.
