Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas says he’s working on a bill to prevent big tech companies from banning or suspending users based on political viewpoints.
Abbott is working with fellow Republican state legislators
"We are working with Sen. [Bryan] Hughes on legislation to prevent social media providers like Facebook & Twitter from cancelling conservative speech,” Abbott said in a Feb. 7 statement on Twitter, the Epoch Times reports.
Hughes, a fellow Republican working with Abbott also aired out his promise.
“Federal law does allow us to regulate these companies and so the bill we’re getting ready to file will say that if a company discriminates against you, if the platforms blocks or kicks you off based on your viewpoint, based on your politics or religion based on viewpoint discrimination, it will give you a way to get back online,” Hughes said to Inside Texas Politics, The Epoch Times reported.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed the state filed a case against Google for violating multiple federal and state antitrust and consumer protection laws.
Florida also recently proposed a bill that seeks to penalize social media companies that ban or suspend candidates during elections. These companies would fine companies $100,000 a day until the candidate’s access to the platform is restored.
Florida would also require companies who promote a candidate to record such endorsements as a political campaign contribution at the state’s election commission, the Epoch Times reported.
Facebook, Google and Twitter have been criticized for being biased when it comes to data censorship, with more Trump supporters being banned. There has been a push for the removal or amendment of section 230 which does not protect publishers.