After Florida, Texas also adopted a law that prohibits social networks from blocking users or their contributions based on their political opinions. Gov. Greg Abbott (Republican) signed the law on Thursday, reports among others Washington post. He had long reiterated the assertion of members of his party that social networks would censor “conservative views”. It’s the end now. It is assumed, however, that the courts will soon have to rule on the law. A similar regulation in Florida could therefore not come into force.

Right of action against social networks

As the American newspaper explains, Texas law now applies to social networks with more than 50 million monthly active users, such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. They must prepare reports on content that is illegal or likely to violate the terms of use. In addition, the content cannot be “removed, minimized or otherwise moderated” based on the political opinions of users. Write the New York Times. Individuals and the Texas Attorney General can also sue if they believe they have been falsely banned.

With the move, Texas follows Florida – the law there was seen as the most decisive attempt by a US state to take action based on allegations against social media after their dealings with ex-President Donald Trump. After Trump’s accounts were blocked after the attack on Capitol Hill, many Republican politicians accused network operators of discriminating against their party. There is no proof of this. Texas law now aims to regulate Facebook & Co. in the same way as telephone operators. They should be forced to offer a platform for everyone, says the Washington post.

Eric Goldman of Santa Clara University Law School is not convinced by the newspaper. After a critical review, there would be nothing left, he said. The law will be similar to Florida’s, he expects. She had been accused of forcing platforms to broadcast statements that contradict their standards. This is a restriction on the guaranteed freedom of expression. The two laws are not good policy, but an attempt to do you favor with your own supporters, Goldman says. But it’s a symptom of a bigger problem when politicians think they have to deal with something like this. Abott and his Florida counterpart Ron DeSantis are both keen to run in the next US presidential election.

(mhh)