Tennessee House Bill HB1504

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Failed: 3/14/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 47 and Title 65, relative to social media.

Impact

The bill applies to social media platforms with over 50 million active users in the U.S. and mandates that these platforms cannot censor users based on their viewpoints or geographic locations. Additionally, users in Tennessee who feel their content has been unjustly moderated or removed may bring private legal actions against the platforms. This provision aims to enhance user rights and accountability of social media platforms while potentially reducing arbitrary content removal practices that have been a point of contention nationwide.

Summary

House Bill 1504 addresses the regulation of social media platforms in Tennessee by amending several titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated. The bill introduces new definitions and regulations specifically concerning algorithms and content moderation practices employed by these platforms. One of the major components of the bill requires social media platforms to disclose their content management, data management, and business practices transparently to users, ensuring they understand how content is curated and what actions the platform may take against user-generated content.

Contention

Critics of HB1504 argue that while it aims to protect users from censorship, it could inadvertently lead to increased legal challenges for social media companies, which may react by limiting user expression or content moderation practices. Concerns also exist around the balance between protecting free speech and the need for platforms to manage illegal or harmful content effectively. Moreover, the bill may set a precedent for how social media is governed in Tennessee, potentially at odds with federal regulations, complicating the landscape of digital communication rights.