Texas Governor Signs Law Allowing Users to Sue Social Media Companies Over Suspensions

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Logo

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill passed by the GOP-led legislature that is designed to stop social media companies from censoring users based on their political statements or viewpoints.

The measure was introduced earlier this year but was delayed when dozens of Democrat state lawmakers left the state to deny Republicans quorum and block the passage of a voting overhaul bill that Abbott, a Republican, signed several days ago.

House Bill 20, the social media bill, was signed by Abbott on Thursday. It prevents companies from suspending users based on their politics and allows Texas residents to file lawsuits to reinstate accounts that are deemed to have been unfairly targeted and removed. Namely, the legislation targeted platforms that have at least 50 million users, which would include Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, among others.

“There is a dangerous movement by some social media companies to silence conservative ideas and values,” said Gov. Abbott in a Facebook live video. “This is wrong and we will not allow it in Texas.”

The Epoch Times has contacted Facebook, Twitter, and Google for comment.

Other than allowing Texans to file lawsuits, the law also allows the Texas Attorney General’s office to take action.

“We will always defend the freedom of speech in Texas, which is why I am proud to sign House Bill 20 into law to protect first amendment rights in the Lone Star State,” Abbott also said, echoing arguments that social media platforms serve as modern public forums that should allow people to engage in debate.

Abbott, however, said that within social media firms, there is a “dangerous” trend that he said is designed to “silence conservative viewpoints and ideas.”

Scholar and anti-critical race theory activist Christopher Rufo this week said he obtained information that Google has internally launched an initiative to portray the United States as a “system of white supremacy.” In one slide that was obtained via an alleged whistleblower, it shows a “white supremacy pyramid” that includes commentator Ben Shapiro and former President Donald Trump and suggests it leads to mass murder and included photos of mass shooters Anders Breivik and Brenton Tarrant.

By Jack Phillips

Read Original Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Democrats are Losing by Pushing Their Dirty CR Bill

Talk is going around about the “Democrats Dirty CR” and the “Republicans Clean CR”.

NCAA streamlines transfer portal

The NCAA lords of the Division I Administrative Committee have unveiled a fresh batch of transfer portal reforms.

Section 230 Immunity, Defective Design and Trial Lawyers (Part 2)

Congress granted social media platforms Section 230 immunity even when children are harmed, trial lawyers found a way to bypass protection.

A Tale Of Two Political Parties

While the GOP, led by Trump, has produced results, Democrats offer horrible policies and candidates, presenting a vivid contrast to the American people. 

The Case for Western Islam

The suggestion of a expression of Islam which emerges from western culture is one that comes from a place of love.

Democrats are Losing by Pushing Their Dirty CR Bill

Talk is going around about the “Democrats Dirty CR” and the “Republicans Clean CR”.

Biden Undergoing Radiation, Hormone Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Former President Biden has begun receiving a combination of radiation and hormone treatments for prostate cancer, spokesperson announced.

Homan Says DOJ Probing Funding Behind ‘Organized’ Attacks on ICE

Border czar, Homan said DOJ launched an investigation into funding for what he called “organized” attacks on federal immigration enforcement agents.

There Are No Survivors in the Blast at a Tennessee Explosives Factory, Sheriff Says

The blast in rural Tennessee that leveled an explosives plant and was felt for miles around left no survivors, authorities said Saturday

Trump Names Longtime Adviser Dan Scavino to Key Personnel Position

One of President Trump’s longtime advisers, Dan Scavino, is going to be in charge of selecting and appointing key positions within the executive branch.

First Lady’s Effort Helped Reunite 8 War-Displaced Children With Their Families

First lady Melania Trump said 8 children impacted by the fighting between Ukraine and Russia were reunited with their families on Oct. 9.

Trump to Impose New 100 Percent Tariff on China on Nov. 1

President Trump said that the US will impose an additional 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods and export controls on critical software starting on Nov. 1.

Trump Admin Agrees to $20 Billion Rescue Plan for Argentina

The U.S. government has finalized a $20 billion economic rescue plan for Argentina, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Oct. 9.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central