Texas House Bill HB 2874

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/14/25
• Out of House Committee: 5/7/25

Caption

Relating to the inclusion of provenance data on content shared on social media platforms.

Summary

HB 2874, titled the Social Media Content Transparency Act, would require social media platforms to attach and retain provenance data for certain photo, video, and audio files. The bill defines provenance data as metadata that can identify a file’s origin, the method used to generate it, and its transmission or storage history. It also specifically requires the data to indicate whether content was created or modified using generative artificial intelligence, and, if so, to identify the AI tool and the person or entity providing that tool. The bill applies in two main situations: content created on a social media platform or using tools provided by the platform, and content posted to the platform when the platform can discern the file’s provenance. Platforms must also provide users an accessible way to view the provenance data, either directly or through a third party. The bill includes a limited exemption for platforms that can show the attorney general, by clear and convincing documentation, that they lack the technological capacity to comply but are actively working toward it. It also states that platforms are not required to independently verify provenance data supplied by users or third parties, and limits liability for inaccurate data when the platform acts in good faith and uses reasonable compliance measures.

Impact

HB 2874 would amend Chapter 120 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code by adding a new subchapter on provenance data for social media content. In practice, it would impose new compliance, retention, and disclosure obligations on social media platforms operating in Texas, especially regarding AI-generated or AI-modified media. The bill would also create a framework that may affect platform design, metadata handling, content labeling, and user access tools, while providing some liability protection and a narrow technological-capacity exception.

Sentiment

The available context shows no recorded committee testimony or floor votes, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or support from the legislative record provided. Based on the bill’s structure, the measure appears aimed at transparency and accountability for AI-generated media on social platforms, suggesting a policy goal that may appeal to concerns about misinformation and digital authenticity. The absence of recorded debate makes the overall sentiment difficult to gauge beyond the bill’s apparent pro-transparency intent.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are likely to be the burden placed on social media platforms, the feasibility of implementing provenance tracking, and the scope of the requirements for content created or posted on-platform. Platforms may object to the technical and operational costs of attaching and retaining metadata, while supporters would likely emphasize the need to identify AI-generated content and improve user trust. Another possible issue is the bill’s reliance on provenance data supplied by users or third parties, since the bill expressly avoids requiring platforms to verify accuracy and limits liability when they rely in good faith on that data.