Prohibiting state agency employees, state elected officials, federal government agency employees, and certain state individuals holding a national office from influencing social media Internet sites to censor users and providing a penalty. (FE)
If enacted, AB 894 would amend existing statutes by establishing clear prohibitions against any state or federal agency employees from interfering with social media platforms to restrict users. This could significantly reshape how social media interactions are governed, potentially leading to major shifts in content moderation policies at both the state and federal levels.
Assembly Bill 894 focuses on prohibiting state agency employees, state elected officials, and federal government agency employees from attempting to influence social media platforms to censor or limit users. The bill aims to safeguard user expression on social media by imposing legal boundaries on government actions that could infringe upon a user's ability to communicate freely. It explicitly defines actions such as 'deplatforming' and 'shadow banning' and establishes a fine structure for violations ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per infraction.
The bill has sparked debates regarding the balance between preventing censorship and allowing necessary moderation to protect users from harassment and illegal activities. Critics argue that the bill could undermine efforts to manage harmful content on social media, while supporters claim it is a critical step toward preserving free speech and preventing government overreach in regulating online discourse.