Posted on 09/24/2025 6:23:14 AM PDT by lowbridge
A California plan to fine large social media companies that intentionally amplify violent or extremist content is heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk after clearing the state Senate on Thursday, potentially teeing up another legal battle with Big Tech over free speech rights.
Why it matters: Democratic state Sen. Henry Stern’s SB 771 comes after Meta and X relaxed content moderation and rolled back fact-checking amid criticism from President Donald Trump and Republican allies that such policies have dampened conservative voices. Critics have argued this allowed violent, hateful and extremist content targeting minorities and other vulnerable groups to flourish on social media.
Stern’s bill threatens civil penalties of up to $1 million when a large social media company knowingly promotes posts to its users that violate California’s existing civil rights laws, and $500,000 if it recklessly promotes such content. Those fines double if the person harmed is a minor.
The passage also comes in the wake of the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. TikTok, Meta and other sites have said they are taking down or restricting posts containing a highly graphic video of Kirk’s assassination, which has been widely shared on social media. However, it’s unlikely Stern’s bill would limit similar content unless it violated civil rights laws.
What happened: Senate lawmakers approved Stern’s bill 26-7, with most Democrats in support and most Republicans against.
Background: The measure faces fierce opposition from trade groups like TechNet and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represent tech giants such as Google, Meta and Amazon. The groups argue Stern’s bill wields legal penalties to force companies into suppressing certain speech online and violates the First Amendment.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
Let me guess: They’ll come after Jim Robinson.
Anything to steal some money ?
...or launder donations from Facebook to Kali.
I can see Facebook hiding the posts of some truly repulsive violent Lefties and paying Newsom for the privledge.
That’s how I read it.
No way he will go after meta, x, Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn NBC ABC CBS CNN msnbclsd ect..
No, he will target boards like this.
Or maga networks like REAL AMERICAS VOICE.
maybe even private cell message/texts.
He’s going full bore mao IMHO
Typical for Dances With Ashes and the politburo in East Beijing ( formerly known as Sacramento)
I say that with love not hate Gavin ;-)
Well THIS is due for an absolute smack-down.
IN THEORY, something LIKE this COULD be a good thing , but because it’s kalifornia/newsome, it’s guaranteed to be a fustercluck ...
I do not foresee the left being hindered in any way. However, if a conservative postts they wish some lefty would get a cold and lose their voice, then that will be deemed violent.
How long will California voters continue to elect losers like Gavin Nobrain that continue to turn it into CaliFUBAR.
More unconstitutional drivel from the best Used Car salesman in the San Fernando Valley.
I wonder if he’ll shut down the smut and gratuitous violence that Hollywood puts out all the time..and then calls it ‘entertainment’!
Calling A+bert; Eschoir.......
Nor do I. This is also now an open channel for revenue from one lefty to another while it enables Facebook to be even more draconian. I am thinking that the vote confirms the implications.
Facebook will claim "violence from both left and right" while it clamps down on Conservatives and hides the rants of Lefty nutjobs while sending a check to Newsom.
OK, Gavin, now include MSNBC and CNN ...
Now that's a time warp.
Leave California and block use of your app in those areas, problem solved. OIL/gas companies should do the same. The little basement dwelling snowflakes would spaz out from withdrawals.
Not this #### again.
Gavin Newsom doesn’t want others muscling in on his violent content gig.
Punch them in their face...................................
LOL! Yes.....I’ve been around a long time.
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