Bill

Bill > S3748


NJ S3748

Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.


summary

Introduced
05/11/2021
In Committee
05/11/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022

Introduced Session

2020-2021 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes a cause of action against social media websites for the censoring or banning of certain users. This bill authorizes the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General to bring an action under the New Jersey consumer fraud act against a social media website if the social media website fails to comply with the requirements set forth in the bill. Among other requirements enumerated in the bill, a social media website is to publish the standards it uses or has used for determining how to censor, "selectively suspend," and implement an "anonymous content or user ban," as these terms are defined in the bill, users and apply censorship, selective suspensions, and anonymous content or user banning standards in a consistent manner among its users on the platform. Additionally, social media websites are not to be permitted to apply or use post prioritization or anonymous content or user banning algorithms for content and material posted by or about a user who is known by the social media website to be a candidate for office or a journalistic enterprise, as those terms are defined in the bill. Finally, the bill establishes causes of actions along with setting damages for violations of the bill, in accordance with federal, State, and local laws.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a cause of action against social media websites for the censoring or banning of certain users. The bill requires social media websites to publish their content moderation standards, apply those standards consistently, and notify users of changes. It prohibits websites from censoring or banning users who are political candidates or journalistic enterprises, unless the content is obscene. The bill provides for statutory damages, actual damages, and other relief for violations, and authorizes the New Jersey Attorney General to impose fines for unlawful selective suspension of candidates. It also grants the Attorney General investigative powers regarding anonymous content or user banning algorithms.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 05/11/2021)

bill text


bill summary

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