HB62: Social Media Censorship
Overview Resources
Big Concept Resources
- The core debate is whether social media moderation should be treated as viewpoint censorship or as a platform’s editorial and safety judgment. https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/bill/stop-social-media-censorship-act
Pros
- https://www.brookings.edu/articles/regulating-free-speech-on-social-media-is-dangerous-and-futile/
- Protects users from viewpoint-based moderation on major platforms. https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/
- Gives users a legal remedy when speech is removed or shadowbanned. https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/bill/stop-social-media-censorship-act
- Tries to carve out safety-related moderation, including obscene or violent content.
Cons
- https://www.liberty.edu/champion/2024/04/22/debating-social-media-censorship-pro/
- Critics say it could undermine platform moderation and make sites less able to remove harmful content. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/26/social-media-moderation-us-supreme-court-case
- Opponents argue it may conflict with First Amendment protections for private companies.
- It could trigger broad litigation and compliance burdens for online platforms. https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/PDF/R45650/R45650.2.pdf
