Two Pennsylvania state senators are seeking to pass a bill that would allow residents to sue social media companies that censor their content based on political or religious views.
The current version of the bill indicates an individual can receive up to $75,000 in damages. The bill also requires social media providers to clearly indicate the reason for any ban or disabled account within 30 days along with a course of action for reinstatement.
“Our rights to free speech are clearly enshrined in the first amendment. That right should not end in the public sphere of social media. Social media companies are censoring users whose religious and political views offend the delicate sensibilities of big tech oligarchs. Our bill will hold these censors accountable by allowing everyday citizens of Pennsylvania to sue for damages up to $75,000,” he added.
According to Hutchinson, the goal is the fair treatment of individuals, regardless of a person’s political and religious beliefs.
“In recent years we have seen numerous cases of unfair, inconsistent, and often one-sided censorship of social media users,” Hutchinson said in the statement. “The goal of our legislation is to ensure that all social media users are treated fairly, regardless of their political and religious beliefs.”
The bill has been referred to the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee where it now awaits a vote.
The legislation is not the first attempt by a state to push back against social media censorship. In May, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) signed a bill to allow companies to sue social media companies over censorship issues.
The Florida bill, Senate Bill 7072, focused on organizations at risk of losing business over social media censorship.
“Many in our state have experienced censorship and other tyrannical behavior firsthand in Cuba and Venezuela. If Big Tech censors enforce rules inconsistently, to discriminate in favor of the dominant Silicon Valley ideology, they will now be held accountable,” he added.
