The SECURE Act

Safe Electronic Communication and User Rights Enforcement Act

I. Purpose and Scope

The SECURE Act aims to establish comprehensive federal guidelines for regulating digital communications, including email, instant messaging, and social media platforms. It creates a regulatory framework under the authority of the Postmaster General to promote efficient, secure, and fair practices in digital communications while prioritizing user privacy, enhancing user protection and experience, and ensuring open access to communication systems.

II. Definitions

This section will define key terms such as digital communication, email, instant messaging, social media, bulk sending, digital communication provider, personal data, privacy breach, data minimization, API, and interoperability.

III. Authority and Administration

The Postmaster General is hereby designated as the primary authority for overseeing digital communication regulations. A new Digital Communications Division shall be established within the U.S. Postal Service to administer the SECURE Act, with a dedicated Privacy Office to oversee all privacy-related matters and an API Standards Office to manage open communication systems requirements.

IV. Privacy Protection and Data Security

This section establishes comprehensive privacy protection measures for all digital communication platforms:

• Mandate end-to-end encryption for all personal communications
• Guarantee message delivery for legitimate users
• Provide notification with reasons for any non-delivery
• Establish strict data minimization principles to limit collection and storage of personal data
• Require explicit user consent for any data collection beyond what's necessary for service operation
• Require transparent reporting for the usage and access of user data and the rationale for it.
• Prohibit the sale or sharing of personal data without explicit user consent
• Mandate regular privacy audits for all digital communication providers
• Establish a "right to be forgotten" across all digital platforms
• Require transparent privacy policies in clear, understandable language
• Require strict and open data breach notification protocols

V. Regulation of Digital Communication Platforms

A. Email Services

• Establish Open APIs to allow developers to build better software and systems
• Establish guidelines for email storage, transmission, and delivery
• Implement a fee structure for bulk senders while ensuring free access for individual users

B. Instant Messaging Platforms

• Establish Open APIs to allow developers to build better software and systems
• Set standards for interoperability, data retention, privacy, and security in instant messaging services
• Regulate commercial use and implement age verification measures
• Require default end-to-end encryption and disappearing messages rules
• Allow users to send messages between providers, switch between services and take their history with them

C. Social Media Platforms

• Establish Open APIs to allow developers to build better software and systems
• Establish transparency requirements for content distribution algorithms
• Implement measures to identify misinformation and label it as such
• Implement measures to protect minors
• Regulate political advertisements and require ample resources for opposing views
• Enforce strict privacy controls, including granular content sharing settings
• Implement limitations and transparency on data mining for advertising purposes

D. Streaming Services

• Establish Open APIs to allow developers to build better software and systems
• Implement strict data protection measures for user viewing habits and preferences
• Require transparent content recommendation algorithms
• Mandate clear disclosure of data collection practices related to user behavior
• Establish guidelines for age-appropriate content filtering and parental controls
• Ensure interoperability between different streaming platforms for user data portability
• Regulate targeted advertising practices within streaming services

E. Smart Home Products and IoT Devices

• Establish Open APIs to allow developers to build better software and systems
• Mandate robust security standards for all smart home and IoT devices
• Require end-to-end encryption for all data transmitted by these devices
• Implement strict data minimization principles for collected information
• Establish clear guidelines for data retention and deletion
• Require transparent disclosure of all data collection practices
• Mandate regular security updates and patches for all devices
• Establish interoperability standards to ensure devices from different manufacturers can work together
• Require clear and easily accessible privacy controls for users

F. TV Operating Systems

• Establish Open APIs to allow developers to build better software and systems
• Mandate privacy-by-design principles in the development of TV operating systems
• Require transparent disclosure of data collection practices related to viewing habits and app usage
• Implement strict controls on targeted advertising and user profiling
• Establish guidelines for secure app ecosystems and vetting processes
• Require regular security updates and support for a minimum period
• Mandate clear and accessible user controls for privacy settings
• Ensure interoperability between different TV operating systems for app and data portability
• Regulate the collection and use of voice data in voice-controlled TV systems

G. Cloud Computing Services

H. News Organizations and Media Outlets

• Standardized Video Content Identification

  • All video content must include a standardized information overlay in the right corner of the frame:
    • For live broadcasts:
      • Display a prominent red "LIVE" indicator
      • Show the current date and time, updating in real-time
    • For recorded content:
      • Display the original recording date and time
      • Include a "RECORDED" label
    • The overlay must use a legible font and readable color scheme
  • When live content transitions to recorded playback:
    • The "LIVE" indicator must automatically switch to "RECORDED"
    • The current time must be replaced with the original recording time
  • For archived footage:
    • Maintain the original recording date and time
    • Add an "ARCHIVED" label next to the timestamp
  • All news organizations must implement this standardized overlay system within their video production and playback infrastructure

• Context and Source Identification

  • News articles must clearly indicate the author and publication date
  • Opinion pieces and editorials must be clearly labeled as such
  • Sources of information should be cited where possible, with links to original sources in digital formats

• Updates and Corrections

  • Any updates or corrections to a story must be clearly marked with the date and time of the change
  • Original versions of articles should remain accessible, with a clear link to the most recent version

• AI-Generated Content

  • Any content created or significantly edited by AI must be clearly labeled as such
  • The specific AI tools or models used should be disclosed

• Deepfake and Manipulated Media

  • Any video or image that has been digitally altered must be clearly labeled as "edited" or "manipulated"
  • Deepfake videos must carry a prominent warning label

• Comments and User-Generated Content

  • News organizations must implement clear moderation policies for user comments
  • Comments containing unverified claims should be flagged or removed per Section XVIII. Public Content Moderation Framework

• Social Media Sharing

  • When articles are shared on social media, previews must include the publication date to prevent old news from being mistaken as current

• Fact-Checking Standards and API

  • News organizations must establish and publicly disclose their fact-checking processes
  • Fact-checks must be dated and updated if new information becomes available
  • Standardized Fact-Checking API:
    • Required Endpoints:
      • GET /api/v1/factcheck/status/{content_id}
      • GET /api/v1/factcheck/history/{content_id}
      • POST /api/v1/factcheck/submit
      • PUT /api/v1/factcheck/update/{check_id}
      • GET /api/v1/factcheck/sources/{content_id}
    • Standard Response Format:
      • JSON payload containing:

        {
            "content_id": "string",
            "status": "verified|disputed|false|unverified",
            "confidence_score": number(0-1),
            "verification_date": "ISO-8601",
            "last_updated": "ISO-8601",
            "fact_checkers": [{
                "organization": "string",
                "checker_id": "string",
                "verification_date": "ISO-8601"
            }],
            "sources": [{
                "url": "string",
                "type": "primary|secondary",
                "credibility_score": number(0-1),
                "verification_date": "ISO-8601"
            }],
            "claims": [{
                "statement": "string",
                "status": "true|false|partially_true|unverified",
                "evidence": "string",
                "sources": ["urls"],
                "confidence": number(0-1)
            }],
            "history": [{
                "timestamp": "ISO-8601",
                "status": "string",
                "reason_for_change": "string"
            }]
        }
                                        

    • Real-time Verification Requirements:
      • Maximum response time of 500ms for status checks
      • Automatic notifications for status changes
      • WebSocket support for live updates
    • Cross-Platform Integration:
      • Standardized webhooks for third-party platforms
      • Support for social media integration
      • Bulk verification endpoints for batch processing
    • Verification Metadata:
      • AI usage disclosure in verification process
      • Human reviewer identification
      • Methodology documentation
      • Confidence metrics and uncertainty ranges
    • Public Access Requirements:
      • Free tier for public queries
      • Rate limits for non-authenticated requests
      • Premium access for high-volume users
    • Mandatory Features:
      • Source tracking and verification
      • Change history and audit logs
      • Dispute resolution mechanism
      • Cross-reference checking

• Archiving

  • News organizations must maintain an accessible archive of their published content
  • Archived content should retain its original context and any subsequent corrections or updates

• Diversity in Reporting

  • News organizations should strive for diverse perspectives in their reporting
  • When covering controversial topics, efforts should be made to present multiple viewpoints

• Transparency in Funding

  • News organizations must disclose their major funding sources and any potential conflicts of interest
  • Sponsored content must be clearly labeled as such

• Data Journalism

  • When presenting data-driven stories, news organizations must provide access to the raw data or clear explanations of their data analysis methods

VI. User Rights and Protections

Define comprehensive user rights regarding data privacy, control, and portability. Establish a "Privacy Bill of Rights" for digital communication users, including the right to access, correct, and delete personal data, and the right to know how their data is being used. Implement universal opt-out mechanisms for unwanted communications.

VII. Checks on Big Tech Power

Mandate transparency in algorithmic decision-making. Enforce strict data privacy standards. Hold platforms accountable for the spread of misinformation. Prevent arbitrary censorship of lawful communications. Ensure interoperability and data portability between platforms. Prohibit the use of personal data for anti-competitive practices.

VIII. Open Communication Systems and API Access

This section mandates that large tech companies open their public communication systems through secure and accessible APIs (does not apply to private systems):

• Require large tech companies to provide open, well-documented APIs for their communication systems, including but not limited to messaging, email, and social media platforms
• Mandate that these APIs provide access to core functionalities, allowing third-party developers to create innovative, interoperable services and applications
• Prohibit discriminatory practices in API access, ensuring fair and equal access for all developers, regardless of size or affiliation
• Require that API access be provided at no cost or at a reasonable, non-discriminatory cost that does not create barriers to entry for smaller developers or startups
• Mandate regular updates and maintenance of these APIs to ensure continued compatibility and security
• Establish security standards for API implementation to protect user data and privacy
• Prohibit the arbitrary restriction or revocation of API access as a means to stifle competition
• Require tech companies to provide adequate notice and transition periods for any significant changes to their APIs
• Establish a dispute resolution mechanism for conflicts related to API access and usage
• Mandate transparency in API usage policies and any algorithmic processes that might affect the functionality of third-party applications

This will foster User-Friendly Interfaces: Open APIs that are certain to remain open will encourage third party developers to implement user-friendly interfaces that allow individuals to easily navigate and understand their data. This includes clear explanations of what each piece of data means and how it relates to their overall privacy rights. Innovative ways of filtering these communications will emerge which are superior to what is currently available and considered industry standard while being substandard.

IX. Spam and Scam Prevention

Develop and implement advanced AI-driven scam detection systems. Establish a centralized database of known scams and malicious actors. Create a rapid reporting system for users to flag potential scams. Ensure all anti-spam and anti-scam measures respect user privacy and do not involve reading message contents. Inform those identified as spammers of their status and the rationale.

X. Digital Communication Provider Responsibilities

Define minimum standards for security, privacy, and user controls. Require regular auditing and public reporting. Mandate the implementation of anti-impersonation measures. Require providers to appoint a Chief Privacy Officer and implement Privacy by Design principles in all product development.

XI. Enforcement and Penalties

Outline clear enforcement procedures and penalties for non-compliance. Establish a whistleblower protection program for employees of digital communication providers. Implement severe penalties for privacy breaches, unauthorized data sharing, and violations of open API requirements.

XII. Implementation and Review

Set a phased implementation schedule. Establish a framework for regular review and adaptation of regulations to keep pace with technological advancements. Create an advisory board including technology experts, privacy advocates, user representatives, and API specialists. Conduct annual privacy impact assessments and API accessibility reviews of the Act's implementation.

XIII. International Cooperation

Establish frameworks for international cooperation in regulating cross-border digital communications. Promote the adoption of similar standards in other countries to create a globally coherent regulatory environment. Work towards international agreements on data privacy standards, cross-border data protection, and global standards for open APIs in digital communication systems.

XIV. Data Transparency

To further strengthen user rights and transparency regarding personal data, the SECURE Act will include provisions that allow users to view their data in a clear and accessible manner. This will involve:

• User Access to Data: All users will have the right to access their personal data as it is stored by digital communication providers. This includes not only the data itself but also metadata that describes how the data is collected, processed, and stored.
• Clear Metadata Display: Users will be able to see detailed metadata associated with their data, including:
  • Collection Date: When the data was collected.
  • Usage History: How and when their data has been used by the provider including views along with full disclosure of the viewer data
  • Applicable Policies: Information about the privacy policies that were in effect at the time of data collection, including any changes made to these policies over time.
• Policy Transparency: Providers must maintain transparency regarding their data handling practices. This includes making their privacy policies readily available and understandable, ensuring that users are aware of their rights and the implications of their data being collected.
• Regular Updates: Users will receive notifications about any significant changes to data policies or practices, ensuring they are always informed about how their data is being managed.

XV. Large Attachments and Playlists

This section focuses on improving the handling of large files and media content in emails. The main goals appear to be:

1. Enhancing security through cloud storage and encryption
2. Improving user experience with easy-to-use interfaces and clear notifications
3. Optimizing data transfer through compression and streaming protocols
4. Implementing version control and collaborative features

These guidelines would significantly improve how large files are shared via email, addressing common pain points like size limits and security concerns. The emphasis on secure cloud storage and streaming protocols is particularly relevant in our increasingly media-rich digital communications.

XVI. HIPAA Compliance

This section outlines stringent measures to ensure email communications involving protected health information (PHI) meet HIPAA standards. Key points include:

1. Mandatory end-to-end encryption for PHI
2. Strict access controls and audit trails
3. Secure options for healthcare providers, including email-to-fax capabilities
4. Employee training and regular audits for email service providers
5. Requirements for Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)

These guidelines would substantially enhance the security and compliance of email communications in healthcare settings. The focus on end-to-end encryption, access controls, and audit trails addresses critical aspects of protecting sensitive health information.

XVII. Prevention of Government Abuse and Surveillance

This section establishes stringent measures to prevent government overreach and protect citizens from unwarranted surveillance:

• Require warrants for any government access to digital communications, with narrow and clearly defined exceptions for immediate threats to life
• Prohibit bulk data collection and mass surveillance programs
• Mandate transparency reports from both government agencies and digital communication providers regarding government requests for user data
• Establish an independent oversight board to review government surveillance activities and ensure compliance with the law
• Protect whistleblowers who expose unlawful government surveillance
• Ban the use of secret court orders (such as National Security Letters) to compel companies to provide user data without disclosure
• Require notification to users whose data has been accessed by the government, with delays only permitted under strict judicial oversight
• Prohibit the intentional creation of backdoors or vulnerabilities in encryption systems
• Mandate regular audits of government agencies' data access and usage practices
• Establish severe penalties for government officials who abuse their authority to access or use personal data
• Create a public advocate position in the FISA court system to represent privacy and civil liberties interests
• Require detailed logging of all government access to user data, subject to review by the oversight board
• Prohibit the use of parallel construction to hide the origin of evidence obtained through surveillance
• Mandate the destruction of collected data after a specified period unless its continued retention is justified through a transparent, court-supervised process

These measures aim to balance national security needs with individual privacy rights, ensuring that government surveillance is conducted only when necessary, under strict oversight, and with full respect for civil liberties.

XVIII. Public Content Moderation Framework

This Act establishes a unified public moderation system for all digital communications and publications. It aims to replace the protections provided by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 with a more robust and accountable system of content moderation across all digital platforms.

The system will:

• Create a public standardized reporting mechanism (API) so users can flag illegal content, misinformation, disturbing material, scams, age-inappropriate content, hate speech, and other harmful communications.
• Create a centralized database of reported content accessible via web and API to law enforcement and authorized moderators and in a redacted format to the public.
• Require all blocked content to have placeholders with reason for removal with time stamps and moderation links.
• Require all social networks to monitor this database and enforce banned material and point to placeholders
• Encourage development of honest and open public discussion forums about what is banned. Require age and identity verification for sensitive content.
• The moderation placeholder will be public, will have an appeals process, a public comments section and will remain while the content is blocked.
• Establish clear guidelines for content moderation that social media platforms and other digital communication services must adhere to.
• Implement a tiered response system based on the severity and frequency of violations.
• Implement a tiered system of user's reporting weight based on deviation from the norm.
• Require platforms and law enforcement to act on verified reports within specified timeframes.
• Mandate transparency in moderation practices and regular public reporting of moderation actions.
• Monitor aggressively for abuse from government officials or other parties involved in the administration and security of the system and Provide for severe penalties for such abuse.

XIX. Mandatory Public Service Materials

A. Required Content Categories

B. Implementation Requirements

C. Quality and Accuracy Standards

D. Platform Responsibilities

E. Oversight and Compliance

F. Innovation and Improvement

G. Public Service Materials API

{
    "id": "psa-2024-001",
    "type": "emergency",
    "priority": "high",
    "title": {
        "en": "Emergency Weather Alert",
        "es": "Alerta de Clima de Emergencia"
    },
    "content": {
        "en": "Severe weather warning for...",
        "es": "Advertencia de clima severo para..."
    },
    "metadata": {
        "published": "2024-10-27T10:00:00Z",
        "expires": "2024-10-28T10:00:00Z",
        "version": "1.0",
        "source": "National Weather Service",
        "geographic_scope": {
            "type": "polygon",
            "coordinates": [...]
        }
    },
    "links": {
        "more_info": "https://weather.gov/alert/123",
        "related": [...]
    }
}