The SCAM Act would require platforms to take steps against fraudulent advertising and strengthen enforcement by the FTC and state authorities

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is backing bipartisan legislation that would require social media companies to take steps to prevent fraudulent and deceptive advertising on their platforms.

The SCAM Act would also strengthen enforcement of consumer protection laws by the Federal Trade Commission and state law enforcement agencies.

“Too many Americans are falling for scam advertising on social media, getting ripped off by fraudsters and fake companies,” Vasquez said. “Social media companies should follow the same standards as every other advertiser and verify the authenticity of what they’re promoting.”

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Vasquez said the legislation would give law enforcement additional tools to pursue scammers while placing greater responsibility on technology companies for advertisements carried on their platforms.

The New Mexico Democrat has supported several other measures focused on online safety and illegal activity on social media.

Vasquez previously joined a letter to executives at Meta, Snapchat and Telegram calling for action against illegal gun sales and cyberbullying after New Mexico law enforcement officials raised concerns about their role in youth violence.

He is also a co-sponsor of the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act, which would direct the Department of Homeland Security to develop a national strategy aimed at illicit recruitment of Americans through social media.

Vasquez has also introduced the No More Narcos Act, which would create a Justice Department-led educational campaign for middle and high school students within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border about the risks of working with cartels.

He also supports Sammy’s Law, bipartisan legislation intended to give parents additional tools to monitor whether children are using social media platforms for drug transactions and other potentially dangerous activity.