S-486 : Still Just a Bill


Honest Ads Act

This bill applies requirements, limitations, and protections regarding political advertising in traditional media to paid internet or digital political advertising. The bill sets forth special rules for disclosure statements for certain internet or digital ads.

Each television or radio station, provider of cable or satellite television, or online platform must ensure that the political advertising it hosts is not directly or indirectly purchased by a foreign national.

The bill outlines political record requirements for online platforms, including by requiring these platforms to publish a record of any qualified political advertisement purchased by a person whose aggregate purchases of qualified political advertisements on the platform during the calendar year exceeds $500.

Additionally, these online platforms must display notices with online political advertisements that identify the sponsor of the advertisement.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2023-02-16IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.Senate
2023-02-16IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Government Operations and Politics
Related Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
  • Computers and information technology
  • Congressional oversight
  • Digital media
  • Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
  • Government information and archives
  • Internet, web applications, social media
  • News media and reporting
  • Political advertising
  • Television and film
  • U.S. and foreign investments
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations
  • Federal Election Commission (FEC)

Related Bills

See Related Bills