; or (ii) to alter the information or other content provided by a third-party user that appears on a covered company's interactive computer service. (B) Algorithms Such term shall include actions taken through an algorithm or other automated process. (7) Business necessity The term necessary for business refers to a lawful act that advances the growth, development, or profitability of a company but does not include any action designed to appeal to, or gain favor from, persons or groups because of their political beliefs, political party membership, or support for political candidates. . (b) Technical amendment Section 230(c)(2)(B) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 230(c)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting subparagraph (A) . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. 3. Authorities and duties of the Federal Trade Commission (a) In general The Federal Trade Commission (referred to in this section as the Commission ) is authorized to do the following: (1) Staffing To hire sufficient staff (whether on a part-time, full-time, or contract basis) to process applications under paragraph (3) of section 230(c) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 230(c) ), as added by section 2(a). (2) Applications processes To establish processes to certify covered companies under paragraph (3) of such section 230(c) of the Communications Act of 1934 (including setting rates for application fees and setting application deadlines). (b) Rulemaking authority Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate regulations, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to carry out this section and the amendments made by section 2(a). (c) Reports Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Commission shall submit a report to Congress on whether the ability of interactive computer