CESRO is writing Social Media's Rulebook — while there's still time to get it right
For many of us, social media isn't working. The CESRO initiative aims to bring users, creators, platforms, and companies together to set enforceable standards across the social media ecosystem.
Why the Creator Economy needs national standards
The creator economy is no longer a niche corner of the internet — it now shapes how millions of people communicate, shop, learn, and spend their time every day. Yet federal law and existing regulatory bodies have struggled to keep pace: legislation moves far slower than the platforms and business models it's meant to govern, and regulators often lack the technical, day-to-day industry knowledge needed to write rules that actually work.
Users bear the brunt of that gap. Among many issues (e.g., scams, misinformation, inconsistent content moderation), there's no reliable mechanism to hold bad actors accountable when online harms occur.
CESRO would be structured as a self-regulatory organization — not a government agency — that lets the users, creators and industry design the rules of the road.
CESRO's foundation is built on 3 core principles
CESRO is committed to rulemaking grounded in these principles.
Preserve creative expression and free speech
Standards target deception, harm, and exploitation. Rules don't restrict the content, opinions, or style of what creators choose to make, or what users choose to see and engage with. A creator's or user's access to platforms won't be compromised as a result.
Promote transparency, safety, and accountability
Disclosure, investigations, dispute resolution programs, and enforceable safeguards give audiences, creators, and brands a shared, trustworthy baseline. CESRO will give users visibility into the financial incentives behind creator deals.
Foster economic vibrancy and innovation for the Creator Economy ecosystem
Fair payment terms and portable data let creators, platforms, and brands build and invest with confidence. A predictable, well-regulated market attracts more investment, more innovation, and more opportunity for the next generation of creators.
The Social Media Rulebook, at a glance
These are some of the top voted rules CESRO is proposing as the baseline for the creator economy ecosystem. Read them, then tell us what works and what doesn't.
Three ways to make CESRO a reality
CESRO only works if the people advocating for the Creator Economy help build the rules. Here's where you fit in.
Sign the Petition
- Add your voice to the list of individuals backing CESRO
- Share this initiative with 2 people
- Had an experience on social media? Share it with our Report an Issue tab
Add Comments and suggest Rule Proposals
- Review the current draft rules
- Vote on proposals and have meaningful conversations with fellow advocates
- Submit your own rule for CESRO to adopt
Contact your Congressional Members
- Use our lookup tool to locate your Senators and House Members
- Send them a message urging support for CESRO and national creator economy standards
- Track their response and share it with the CESRO community
What's happening in the Creator Economy
A running list of developments relevant to the standards CESRO is proposing.
The Comment Period on the Proposed Rules is Live.
Read the rule proposals, and let us know what you think.