Bill · H.R. 488· House(119-HR-488)
Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 1/16/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- Sponsored by
- Juan Ciscomani
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 6
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025 requires the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State, along with the Attorney General, to address how transnational criminal organizations use social media and online services for recruitment and illicit activities. The bill mandates a joint assessment of how these organizations use covered services for activities like drug and human trafficking. Following the assessment, these officials must develop a "National Strategy to Combat Illicit Recruitment Activity by Transnational Criminal Organizations on Social Media and Online Platforms." This strategy must include plans for improved interagency coordination, international partnerships, and youth outreach in border communities. Implementation of the strategy must begin shortly after it is submitted to Congress. The Act also requires regular progress reports and assessments regarding civil rights and privacy protections.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically focuses on the exploitation of children and requires outreach to youth in border communities.
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill directs agencies to combat the recruitment efforts of transnational criminal organizations near international borders.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+4
The bill addresses the use of digital platforms and social media by criminal organizations for illicit activities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Youth in Border Communities: The strategy must include activities to increase engagement and outreach with youth in border communities regarding recruitment tactics and the consequences of participating in illicit activities (Section 4, subsection (b)(1)(G)).
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Focus on Criminal Organizations rather than Individuals: The strategy must include measures to ensure that law enforcement and intelligence activities focus on the recruitment activities of the criminal organizations or enterprises rather than on the individuals they are attempting to recruit (Section s 4, subsection (b)(1)(H)(i)).
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Protection of Rights: The strategy must include detailed descriptions of measures used to protect privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties, with a specific focus on protecting minors and constitutionally protected activities (Section 4, subsection (b)(1)(H)(ii)).
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Addressing Human Trafficking: The assessment aims to look closely at the use of covered services for human smuggling or trafficking, specifically focusing on the exploitation of children (Section 3, subsection (2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Privacy and Civil Liberty Concerns: While the bill mandates protections, it acknowledges the need for measures to ensure the protection of privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties during the implementation of law enforcement and intelligence activities (Section 4, subsection (b)(1)(H)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Rural Residents+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+4Improves International Alliances+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Privacy Rights+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+3
- 12/19/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/16/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 10/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/16/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Laura GillenDemocrat · New York
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Greg LandsmanDemocrat · Ohio
Kristen McDonald RivetDemocrat · Michigan
Gabe VasquezDemocrat · New Mexico
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia