Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2278

Introduced
1/13/23  
Refer
1/13/23  

Caption

Social media companies; require to file a report for any restriction of a candidate or elected official. Social media account.

Impact

The bill establishes a formal process for documenting and reporting restrictions, thus enhancing transparency in political communications. It defines 'candidate' and 'elected official', clarifying who is protected under this law. By requiring social media companies to report restrictions, the bill could potentially influence how these platforms develop their content moderation policies, particularly concerning political discourse. It may also lead to increased scrutiny of social media company practices regarding censorship or moderation of political content.

Summary

Senate Bill 2278 seeks to create a new section in the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically Section 23-15-823, which would impose reporting requirements on social media companies that restrict candidates or elected officials from their platforms. The bill mandates that if a candidate or elected official is restricted, the social media company must submit a report to the Mississippi Secretary of State within three business days of the restriction. This is intended to promote transparency regarding the actions of social media platforms in restricting political figures.

Contention

The bill may raise concerns among civil liberties advocates about potential overreach into the business practices of social media platforms and the implications for free speech. Critics may argue that this legislation could pressure companies to allow harmful or false information to spread in order to avoid penalties, leading to a delicate balance between protecting political speech and maintaining community standards. Additionally, there are questions about the feasibility of such reporting requirements and how they would be enforced, which could ignite significant debate among legislators and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2573

Social media companies; require to file a report for any restriction of a candidate or elected official.

MS 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

MS 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

MS HB3187

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

MS A4094

Requires redaction and nondisclosure of home address of elected officials and candidates for elected office.

MS A2799

Requires redaction and nondisclosure of home address of elected officials and candidates for elected office.

MS S1274

Requires redaction and nondisclosure of home address of elected officials and candidates for elected office.

MS S2871

Requires redaction and nondisclosure of home address of elected officials and candidates for elected office.

MS A2993

Requires elected public officials and candidates for elective public office to disclose if they ever filed for bankruptcy; requires financial disclosure by candidates for public office in county or municipality.

MS A4644

Requires social media companies to take certain actions concerning accounts maintained by or featuring minors.

Similar Bills

MS SB2573

Social media companies; require to file a report for any restriction of a candidate or elected official.

MS HB725

Social media deplatforming; regulate and prohibit.

MS SB2634

Mississippi "I voted" sticker contest; create.

MS HB1302

Mobile Sports Betting; regulate.

MS HB588

Office of Workforce Development; revise funding mechanism for and revise powers and duties of.

MS SB2626

Ease Access to Suffrage (EASE) Act; enact.

MS SB2419

Ease Access to Suffrage (EASE) Act; enact.

MS SB2280

Ease Access to Suffrage (EASE) Act; enact.