Opponents slam bill reining in content regulation by social media platforms
Special Illustration
By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service
ATLANTA — Legislation prohibiting giant social media platforms from censoring content based on the author’s viewpoint drew criticism on several fronts in a Georgia House committee.
Some opponents argued the bill, which the state Senate passed two weeks ago, is an unconstitutional violation of the free-speech rights of companies including Facebook and Twitter. Others said it could foster harassment of vulnerable young people.
Senate Bill 393 would prohibit social media platforms with more than 20 million followers from discriminating against an author posting content based not only on the person’s viewpoint but his or her race, color, ethnicity, religious or political beliefs, national origin, sex, gender or sexual orientation. The companies still could keep obscene or pornographic content off their sites.
“What we’re trying to do with this bill is eliminate viewpoint-based censorship,” Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, the bill’s chief sponsor, told members of the House Judiciary Committee.
The legislation was sparked when Facebook and Twitter suspended former President Trump’s accounts last year following the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.
Similar bills to the Georgia measure passed by lawmakers in Texas and Florida are being challenged in court. Opponents argued Wednesday the Georgia bill’s backers should wait for the results of those cases before moving forward.
“Why should Georgians have to pay for the litigation?” Rep. Matthew Wilson, D-Brookhaven asked. “Why not wait to see what the courts say?”
Rep. Mike Wilensky, D-Dunwoody, said giving people virtually free rein to post content on giant social media platforms would allow cyber bullying of teens. In some instances, teenagers have committed suicide after being targeted on social media.
“These platforms are doing a good job these days controlling harassment,” Wilensky said. “This bill will eliminate these platforms from saving lives.”
But Dolezal said his bill would allow social media platforms to prevent harassment. He said his bill would strike a blow for free speech and open discussion.
“Social media companies are the 21st century public square,” he said. “Any idea — no matter how asinine — we believe there is room in this country to discuss.”
The committee will hold at least one more hearing on the bill before deciding whether to move it forward.
Author
Related Articles
The boy who drove the bus and helped build a school system
As Lee County grapples with questions of trust, leadership and the future of public education, the life of Dr. Robert Clay offers a reminder of the community values that helped build one of Georgia’s most respected school systems.
Powerful performances drive Theatre Albany’s ‘The Color Purple’
From the street, strands of purple ribbon wind around the white columns of the historic theater, hinting at the story waiting beyond its doors. Inside the foyer, a carefully curated slideshow flickers across a large screen, cycling through the faces of the cast. Some are seasoned performers. Others are stepping onto a stage for the very first time. Teachers stand alongside former students. Parents perform beside their children. People who worship in different churches, work different jobs and come from different corners of Southwest Georgia gather beneath the same lights to tell the same story.
CWC Alliance brings substance-abuse training to southwest Georgia
“We train youth and young adults across the state on substance-use prevention. It’s been incredible to partner with NAMI Albany. Through this training they will become youth prevention mentors.”
