California now features a first-in-the-nation law requiring social media companies to publicly post their policies regarding “hate speech,” “disinformation,” “harassment,” and “extremism” on their platforms, and report data on their enforcement of the policies.
Social media companies, through their Internet Coalition and other trade associations, vigorously opposed the new law. Court challenges are being considered, trade groups said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 587—dubbed the Social Media Transparency and Accountability Act of 2021 and sponsored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills)—in September, saying, “California will not stand by as social media is weaponized to spread hate and disinformation that threaten our communities and foundational values as a country.”…