California's Bill to Punish Social Media Platforms
California is attempting to punish social media platforms for allowing users to publish "hate speech" through Senate Bill 771.
The bill aims to "impose meaningful consequences" on these platforms, according to a legislative analysis from the state's Senate Judiciary Committee.
most speech—no matter how hateful or offensive—is protected by the First Amendment.
California lawmakers are trying to circumvent this by making companies liable for aiding and abetting violations of civil rights law or conspiring to do so, rather than directly punishing them for platforming potentially offensive speech.
Author's summary: California targets social media with Senate Bill 771.
- S.B. 771 awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.
- The bill imposes liability on social media platforms for "hate speech".
- Most speech is protected by the First Amendment.