Utah House Bill HB0385

Utah 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Failed: 3/1/24

Caption

Social Media Usage Amendments

Impact

If enacted, HB 0385 would significantly alter the landscape of social media regulation within the state. It mandates that social media platforms publicly disclose their content management practices, including methods of curating and moderating user-generated content. The bill also grants users the right to bring legal actions against platforms that fail to comply with the requirements stipulated under this act. This could lead to enhanced consumer protections in the digital space and instigate new compliance checks for social media companies.

Summary

House Bill 0385, known as the Social Media Usage Amendments, aims to create a regulatory framework for social media platforms operating in Utah. The bill enacts the Utah Digital Expression Act, which includes measures to protect users from viewpoint-based censorship, establishing that any adverse actions taken by social media platforms should be transparent, justified, and according to a clear set of rules. This framework is intended to enhance user rights and ensure accountability among social media providers regarding the management of user content and data.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly concerning the balance between regulation and censorship. Critics argue that while the bill purports to protect users' rights, it may inadvertently restrict the ability of social media platforms to enforce content guidelines effectively. Supporters, however, contend that the legislation is necessary to combat biased censorship and to empower users with more control over their digital expression. The bill's language around acceptable use policies and transparency reports will likely provoke discussions among stakeholders about the right approach to digital governance.