California plans to limit anonymous online speech deemed influential
California Takes Aim at Anonymous Social Media Speech
An influential California state legislator has set the stage for a potential showdown with social media giants by proposing new restrictions on anonymous online free speech. The proposal targets accounts with substantial followings, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in online discourse.
Verification Requirements
Under the proposed bill, social media accounts boasting over 25,000 followers would be mandated to disclose personal identifying information. For users with more than 100,000 followers, government-issued identification would be necessary for verification.
Proposed by State Sen. Steve Padilla of Chula Vista, SB 1228 seeks to categorize users based on their follower count:
- Users with 25,000 to 100,000 followers: Verification through name, phone number, and email address.
- Users with over 100,000 followers: Verification via government-issued ID.
In a bold statement, Padilla emphasized the importance of identity verification in maintaining the integrity of information shared online. “Verifying the identities of accounts with large followings allows us to weed out those that seek to corrupt our information stream,” he commented.
Failure to comply with the verification requirements outlined in SB 1228 could result in legal action by California government attorneys at various levels, from the state to the city, to ensure platform adherence to the bill.
This proposed legislation comes on the heels of recent debates surrounding the online protection of minors. While the bill does not directly address age verification through IDs, it reflects a broader trend towards increased scrutiny and accountability in the digital realm. By aligning with national trends emphasizing verification through official documents, such as government-issued IDs or bank records, California’s potential actions could significantly impact the global landscape of social media.
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