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See Something, Say Something Online Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 147
Under this bill, online platforms would be required to establish a reporting system for users to flag content that promotes violence, terrorism, or hate speech. These platforms would then be obligated to investigate and remove any reported content that violates their terms of service.
Additionally, the See Something, Say Something Online Act of 2023 would provide funding for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in online extremism or hate speech. The bill also includes provisions for the protection of whistleblowers who report harmful online content. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to address the growing threat of online extremism and hate speech, which can radicalize individuals and incite violence. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential violations of free speech rights and the potential for abuse of the reporting system. Overall, the See Something, Say Something Online Act of 2023 aims to create a safer online environment by encouraging individuals to report harmful content and holding online platforms accountable for addressing extremism and hate speech.
Congressional Summary of S 147
See Something, Say Something Online Act of 2023
This bill requires a provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) to submit an activity report to the Department of Justice if it detects the transmission of any post, message, comment, tag, or other user-generated content or transmission that commits, facilitates, incites, promotes, or otherwise assists the commission of a major crime.
The activity report describing the transmission must contain (1) the name, location, and other identification information submitted by the user; (2) the date and nature of the user-generated content or transmission detected for suspicious activity; and (3) any relevant text, information, and metadata related to the suspicious transmission.
If a provider fails to report a known suspicious transmission, the bill eliminates federal liability protection (sometimes referred to as Section 230 protection) for claims related to that transmission. (Generally, Section 230 provides federal immunity that prevents providers and users of interactive computer services from being held liable for transmitting or taking down user-generated content.)
