Bill > S4859

This bill, the Standing to Challenge Government Censorship Act, prohibits federal employees and contractors from directing online platforms to censor any speech that is protected by the First Amendment. The key provisions include: 1. Definitions: The bill defines terms like "covered information" (e.g., communications, browsing history, user data) and "covered platform" (interactive computer services and media platforms). 2. Prohibitions: The bill prohibits federal employees from using their official authority to direct, coerce, or encourage online platforms to censor protected speech, such as by removing, suppressing, or labeling it as misinformation. It also prohibits employees from sharing user data with agencies or partnering with platforms to monitor content. 3. Private Right of Action: The bill allows individuals or state/local governments to sue the relevant federal agency and employee for damages, fees, and injunctive relief if their protected speech or information has been affected in violation of the Act. There is a presumption of liability if the employee communicated with a platform about the person's information or statements. The overall purpose of the bill is to prevent federal government censorship of online speech protected by the First Amendment.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4859/all-info