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A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to address governmental interference in content moderation decisions by providers of interactive computer services, and for other purposes.
1/14/2025, 6:51 PM
Summary of Bill S 69
The bill is designed to prevent government officials from influencing or coercing providers of interactive computer services to moderate content in a certain way. It also aims to ensure that these providers are not held liable for the content posted by users on their platforms, as long as they are acting in good faith to moderate harmful or illegal content.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to promote transparency and accountability in content moderation practices, requiring providers to publicly disclose their content moderation policies and practices. It also establishes a process for users to appeal content moderation decisions made by providers. Overall, Bill 119 s 69 seeks to uphold the principles of free speech and innovation on the internet by protecting the rights of providers of interactive computer services to make their own content moderation decisions without government interference.
Congressional Summary of S 69
Curtailing Online Limitations that Lead Unconstitutionally to Democracy's Erosion Act or the COLLUDE Act
This bill limits federal liability protection, sometimes referred to as Section 230 protection, that generally precludes providers and users of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) from being held legally responsible for content provided by a third party.
Specifically, the bill removes the protection if a provider restricts access to or availability of content containing political speech because of a governmental request unless the request serves a legitimate law enforcement or national security purpose.
In addition, the bill changes legal procedures for applying the protection. Currently, the protection serves as broad immunity that typically allows the early dismissal of lawsuits, thereby preempting lawsuits and statutes that impose liability for third-party content. This bill makes the protection an affirmative defense, which means the provider or user must prove that the protection applies before the lawsuit may be dismissed.
Current Status of Bill S 69
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 69
Total Number of Sponsors
2Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
2Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 69
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 69
Comments
Russell Chappell
1 year ago
I don't like how this bill could mess with my online freedom.
