Prohibits selective suspension of candidates for elective office by social media websites.
Impact
If enacted, A2559 would impose significant obligations on social media platforms with substantial user bases and revenue thresholds defined in the bill. These platforms must establish mechanisms to verify users as candidates and refrain from willfully suspending them from their services during the election timeline, which begins once they qualify and ends at the conclusion of the election. This could alter the operational protocols of major social media companies, insisting on compliance with new state regulations.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2559 aims to restrict social media websites from selectively suspending candidates for elective office during the electoral process. The bill defines 'selectively suspend' as the permanent or temporary ban of a candidate from these platforms if the candidate is known to be running for office. This measure is intended to ensure that candidates are not silenced or effectively deplatformed during critical election periods, thereby protecting their visibility and engagement with voters.
Contention
The legislation may elicit discussions regarding the balance between maintaining a platform's integrity and ensuring fair access to public discourse for candidates. Critics might argue that this bill poses challenges regarding the moderation policies of social media platforms, potentially requiring them to differentiate between political content and violations of community standards. Proponents claim this is a necessary measure to protect candidates from undue censorship and promote fair election practices, while opponents may highlight possible legal challenges regarding First Amendment rights.
Prohibits social media websites from selectively suspending candidates for elective office and creates private right of action for users whose political or religious speech has been deleted.
Prohibits social media websites from selectively suspending candidates for elective office and creates private right of action for users whose political or religious speech has been deleted.
Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.
Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.
Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.
"Stop Social Media Censorship Act"; creates private right of action for users of social media websites whose political or religious speech has been deleted or censored by social media websites.
"Stop Social Media Censorship Act"; creates private right of action for users of social media websites whose political or religious speech has been deleted or censored by social media websites.
Relating to requirements imposed on social media companies to prevent corruption and provide transparency of election-related content made available on social media websites