CCIA Opposes Pa. Social Media Bill; Panel May Vote Tuesday

Tech companies might sue if Pennsylvania enacts a social media moderation bill (SB-22), the Computer and Communications Industry Association warned Monday. The state’s Senate Communications Committee plans to weigh the bill Tuesday. “CCIA recommends pausing this proposal until legislators can act with fuller knowledge of the constitutional boundaries,” the association wrote to the committee. “Otherwise, any potential statute may be at greater risk of protracted, expensive litigation.” Digital companies already aggressively moderate dangerous and illegal content, CCIA said. The bill’s overly vague definitions make compliance tough, it said. Websites might have to shut down services for users under 16, restricting children’s First Amendment right to access information, CCIA said. Also, a private right of action proposed in the bill would lead to many “frivolous lawsuits,” it said. Plus, the bill doesn’t provide enough time for businesses to come into compliance, said CCIA, suggesting legislators push back the effective date until 18 months after enactment.