IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF486

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF486

Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
3/6/23  
Introduced
3/2/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to censorship of expression on online platforms, and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 1189.)

Impact

If enacted, SF486 would significantly alter the regulatory landscape for online platforms operating in Iowa. By imposing platform fees, the bill aims to create a funding mechanism for state communication services, thereby promoting accessibility and equity. This could set a precedent for how states can regulate large online entities within their jurisdictions, potentially influencing similar initiatives in other states.

Summary

Senate File 486, titled the Protecting Online Free Speech Act, is designed to address concerns regarding the censorship of expression on market-dominant online platforms. The bill mandates that corporations with over ten million users in Iowa pay a quarterly fee for the services they provide to active state users, which is determined based on a formula that considers the corporation's annual gross revenues attributable to Iowa users. This initiative aims to support universal service programs in the state.

Contention

The bill has faced some opposition regarding its implications on free speech and the operational viability for platform providers. Opponents argue that imposing fees based on user engagement could deter these platforms from operating optimally in the state and might lead to them restricting content or users to avoid financial burdens. Additionally, there are concerns about how these fees might affect the diversity of available online platforms for Iowa residents.

Provisions

SF486 includes provisions requiring the attorney general to determine the number of active users on each platform and define penalties for noncompliance, such as class D felonies for willfully failing to file required returns. Moreover, the bill stresses the importance of platforms fostering open discourse, establishing a framework that encourages transparency in moderation practices, and protecting user rights while emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of content creators.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1189

Related A bill for an act relating to censorship of expression on online platforms, and providing penalties.(See SF 486.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1189

A bill for an act relating to censorship of expression on online platforms, and providing penalties.(See SF 486.)

IA HB20

Relating to complaint procedures and disclosure requirements for and censorship of users' expressions by social media platforms.

IA SB5

Relating to complaint procedures and disclosure requirements for, and to the censorship of users' expressions by, social media platforms.

IA SB5

Relating to complaint procedures and disclosure requirements for, and to the censorship of users' expressions by, social media platforms.

IA HB2523

Providing for social media platforms and for limiting censorship.

IA HB62

Providing for social media platforms and for limiting censorship.

IA HF2523

A bill for an act relating to parental authorization for minors to create accounts on social media platforms, providing civil penalties, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2255.)

IA SB12

Relating to complaint procedures and disclosure requirements for social media platforms and to the censorship of users' expressions by an interactive computer service.

IA HB20

Relating to censorship of or certain other interference with digital expression, including expression on social media platforms or through electronic mail messages.

IA SB90

Relating to censorship of or certain other interference with digital expression, including expression on social media platforms or through electronic mail messages.

Similar Bills

IA SSB1189

A bill for an act relating to censorship of expression on online platforms, and providing penalties.(See SF 486.)

CA SB1018

Platform Accountability and Transparency Act.

CA SB1504

Cyberbullying Protection Act.

CA SB287

Features that harm child users: civil penalty.

CA AB2879

Online content: cyberbullying.

WV HB4191

Relating to requirements imposed on social media companies to prevent corruption and provide transparency of election-related content made available on social media websites

WV HB4395

Relating to requirements imposed on social media companies to prevent corruption and provide transparency of election-related content made available on social media websites

CA AB2202

Short-term rentals: disclosure: cleaning tasks.