Bill > H4528

This bill aims to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina to create the "Stop Social Media Censorship Act." The key provisions of this bill include: 1. Establishing a civil right of action against social media websites that intentionally delete or censor a user's religious or political speech, or use algorithms to disfavor or censor such speech, with the user able to recover statutory damages, actual damages, and potentially punitive damages. 2. Prohibiting social media websites from banning or restricting users for any period of time or disallowing them from participating, including commenting, posting, or sharing, on personal and commercial pages. 3. Granting the Secretary of State the authority to fine social media websites up to $100,000 per day for deplatforming or shadowbanning political candidates seeking statewide office, and to disclose a social media company's algorithmic bias as a campaign contribution. 4. Providing exceptions where the bill's provisions do not apply, such as for content that calls for violence, is obscene, or involves minors bullying minors. The bill aims to deter deceptive trade practices, false advertising, breach of contract, and the stifling of political and religious speech on social media platforms that have achieved a dominant market position.