United States of America: Appeals Court upholds Texas HB 20 restricting social media content moderation and user blocking
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Appeals Court upholds Texas HB 20 restricting social media content moderation and user blocking
On 16 September 2022, the United States Fifth Circuit of Appeals Court ruled in favour of the state and upheld Texas HB 20. The court stated that Texas HB 20 does not violate the First Amendment confirmed the classification of social media platforms as common carriers. The Bill limits the ability of social media platforms with more than 50 million users to block users and content based on political beliefs and other viewpoints. Furthermore, the companies will be required to disclose the guidelines and rules they apply when they remove content from their platforms and put a complaint and appeals process for the removed content in place. Furthermore, the Act also requires reviewing and removing illegal content within 48 hours of notification. Individuals residing in Texas will be able to sue the companies if they are censored based on political views, or the Attorney General can bring charges on their behalf.
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