Staff Reports
California lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a measure aimed at regulating online speech by requiring social media companies to verify the personal information of “influential” users. The legislation, known as SB 1228, involves the verification of government-issued identification for users meeting certain thresholds of followers and views.
Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to help users distinguish between credible information and misinformation, while opponents are concerned about the potential threat it poses to anonymous online speech. The bill, which applies to social media companies with at least one million annual California users, would impact major social media platforms globally.
Under this legislation, influential users with a certain number of followers or views would be required to submit their personal information for verification. Those considered “highly influential” would need to provide government-issued identification. Critics have expressed apprehension about the vague language of the bill, particularly regarding what constitutes “seeking to verify” and the potential legal repercussions for companies failing to comply.
More from Commifornia…
This is why we must win at the national level (House, Senate and Executive) or they will do stuff like this nationwide. #MAGA2024
California legislators advance limiting ‘influential’ anonymous online speechhttps://t.co/SuCe5KH864— NWRain (@RYboating) April 29, 2024
While proponents of the bill emphasize that it does not ban anonymous online speech and allows users to use pseudonyms, opponents underscore the historical significance of anonymous speech in American culture. They argue that protecting the anonymity of online speech is essential for upholding traditions of free expression and safeguarding dissenting opinions.
The bill advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee with overwhelming support, with only one dissenting vote from State Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks. If passed, social media companies would be required to implement measures to verify the personal information of “influential” users, raising concerns about potential limitations on online free speech in the state.
