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)
Impact
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.
Summary
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.
Contention
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.
Relating to the purchase of periodicals by state agencies and certain state officers and to prohibiting state agencies from providing financial support to the news media.
To Amend The Law Concerning Public Officers And Employees; And To Require Disclosure Of Employment For Former State Employees And Former Elected Officials.
Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity. Specifically, the bill prohibits employees of executive agencies or who are otherwise in the competitive service from (1) using their official authority to influence or advocate for a third party, including a private entity, to censor speech; (2) censoring the speech of any person who has a pending regulatory application with, or is the subject of or a participant in an active enforcement action by, the employee's office; or (3) engaging in censorship while on duty, wearing a uniform, or using official government property. Certain presidential appointees may not censor speech at any time, including outside normal duty hours. Employees are subject to disciplinary action, civil penalties, or both for violations. The bill defines censor or censorship to include ordering or advocating for the removal of lawful speech, the addition of disclaimers, or the restriction of access with respect to any platform (e.g., social media).
A bill for an act requiring community colleges, school districts, and institutions under the control of the state board of regents to adopt policies related to the use of artificial intelligence by students and employees.