GA Bill To Ban Social Media From Deleting Posts, Users Advances

ATLANTA, GA — Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter could be banned from deleting content posted by users if some Georgia lawmakers get their way.

State lawmakers passed Senate Bill 393 in a 33-21 vote on Tuesday. The bill would prohibit social media platforms from deleting posts or removing users based on the views they express. It would also allow users to sue social media platforms for what the bill calls censorship.

Also known as the Common Carrier Non-Discrimination Act, the bill would only apply to users or businesses in Georgia that post to social media platforms with 20 million monthly users in the United States.

In addition, the bill, which is sponsored by Republican Greg Dolezal, would require that social media platforms publicly disclose accurate information regarding their content management, data management and business practices. This would include how they curate and target content to users and make decisions concerning content removal and demonetization.

Social media platforms would be allowed to ban content that is considered "obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent or harassing," the bill says.

According to the AJC, state Sen. Jen Jordan who opposes the bill, said that while social media companies are “out of control,” the Communications Decency Act protects websites from most lawsuits.

“We’ve seen its effect on elections. We’ve seen Russian propaganda used against us to try to pit each of us against each other,” Jordan said. “I share the concerns, believe me. ... But this really isn’t the way to do it.”

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan praised the bill's passage Tuesday.

"By passing SB 393, we are ensuring Georgians are not unfairly targeted for their personal ideologies by giving oversight of social media platforms to our Public Service Commission," he posted to Twitter.

"It is mind-numbing that Russia and the Ayatollah of Iran are granted unfettered access to online platforms, but Americans face censorship for beliefs contrary to mainstream media," he continued.

The bill now heads to the Georgia House for consideration.