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Facebook, Twitter, and other tech firms could be fined if they bar politicians in Florida from their platforms under a new signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The law comes after Facebook, Twitter and YouTube took the unprecedented step of banning former US President Donald Trump from their platforms.
The social media channels cited grave concerns about Trump’s remarks, which they believed could incite more violence after a deadly riot on Capitol Hill in January.
Criticisms tied to free speech within the Conservative circles have been growing since Trump was barred from the social media channel.
The new law mandates the Florida Election Commission to fine social media companies $250,000 per day if they remove an account for a candidate for statewide office.
Social networks will also get fined $25,000 per day if they ban candidates running for local offices.
Florida is the first state to enact such fines against social media companies.
Gov. DeSantis said, “If Big Tech censors enforce rules inconsistently, to discriminate in favor of the dominant Silicon Valley ideology, they will now be held accountable.”
The new law gives Florida residents the right to sue tech platforms. Besides, social media channels are required to be transparent about their content moderation practices.
Social media companies that violate the state’s antitrust law could also face action from Florida’s attorney general.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association, a tech advocacy group, said the new law would be “dangerous” and “expensive.”
CCIA President Matt Schruers said, “This unconstitutional bill threatens to create more opportunities for foreign extremists peddling anti-American propaganda and fewer opportunities for internet-using Floridians.”
Social media experts believe the new law could harm startups or efforts to moderate harmful content.
On Monday, Nick Clegg, the head of global affairs and communications at Facebook, outlined ideas for federal internet regulations, including the creation of a new digital regulator.
An oversight board tasked with reviewing Facebook’s toughest content moderation decisions upheld the social network’s decision to suspend Trump from the platform.
However, it let Facebook decide how long the former US president would be barred from the platform. For now, Trump remains indefinitely suspended from Facebook and Instagram.
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