Ted Cruz and Ron Wyden try to fight censorship with bipartisan JAWBONE Act
Summary
Senators Ted Cruz and Ron Wyden introduced the JAWBONE Act, a proposed law to stop federal officials from pressuring broadcasters and tech companies to censor speech. The bill would allow people to sue government officials if their speech is unfairly restricted and seek financial compensation.Key Facts
- The JAWBONE Act aims to prevent federal agencies and employees from coercing broadcasters or online services to change or remove content.
- It creates a private right of action, allowing people harmed by such government pressure to sue and recover money.
- State attorneys general could also enforce the law through civil lawsuits.
- The bill applies to social media companies, AI services, and broadcasters.
- Current law requires proof that coercion led to content removal; the bill removes this burden, allowing lawsuits even if coercion fails.
- The law limits payouts to compensatory damages, not punitive damages meant to punish.
- It would require agencies to publicly disclose communications with tech and media companies to prevent secret censorship.
- Senators Cruz and Wyden, from different parties, both criticized government efforts to influence companies to censor speech, citing examples from both the Trump and Biden administrations.
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