Senator Johnson Files Legislation to Protect Texans From the Misuse of Bots

News Release Contact: Brenda Allen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brenda.Allen@senate.texas.gov
Mar. 20, 2025 972-701-0349
SENATOR JOHNSON FILES LEGISLATION TO
PROTECT TEXANS FROM THE MISUSE OF BOTS
AUSTIN, TX – Senator Nathan Johnson has filed two important bills to protect Texans from rampant online
deception, misinformation, and fraud from automated social media accounts, commonly known as “bots”.
“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.”
SB 2637 Social Media Bots Transparency Act. This bill requires social media platforms to clearly label bot
accounts — automated programs designed to mimic human activity. The bill also requires platforms to
provide warnings that bot accounts may spread misinformation and establishes civil penalties of up to
$7,500 for each violation of the law.
SB 2638 Digital Deception Prevention Act. This bill prohibits the use of bot accounts to mislead Texans into
commercial transactions and requires clear disclosure when bots are used for business purposes. It also
classifies deceptive bot usage as a fraudulent trade practice and expressly prohibits their role in election
interference.
About Senator Nathan Johnson: Senator Nathan Johnson was re-elected in 2024 to serve a third term in
the Texas Senate. He represents almost a million Dallas County residents in the growing and rapidly
diversifying Senate District 16. With eight years of legislative experience, Senator Johnson serves on several
key Senate committees, including Business and Commerce, Jurisprudence (Vice-Chair), Economic
Development, Transportation, and Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs.