Requires social media platforms to remove content depicting the violent death of a human being within twenty-fours after receiving notice or otherwise becoming aware of such content; requires social media platforms to provide an easily accessible and usable mechanism for users to report such content.
Impact
If enacted, this bill aims to hold social media platforms accountable for their content moderation policies, specifically in relation to violent imagery. The requirement to act swiftly upon receiving notice of such content could lead to significant changes in how these platforms operate, compelling them to strengthen their user reporting mechanisms and internal review processes. Failure to comply may result in financial penalties, as the bill allows the Attorney General to seek civil penalties from non-compliant platforms, hence creating greater pressure on these companies to enforce compliance rigorously.
Summary
Bill A09165 proposes amendments to the General Business Law, requiring social media platforms operating in New York to remove any content depicting the violent death of a human being within 24 hours of receiving notice or becoming aware of such content. This legislation mandates that platforms develop and maintain an accessible reporting system for users to alert them to instances of content that may require removal. The requirements are positioned within a broader context of increasing scrutiny of social media's role in perpetuating harmful content online.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding A09165 relate to its implications on free speech and the practicality of enforcement. Critics may argue that the definition of 'violent death' could be subjective, potentially leading to over-censorship of content, including artistic expressions or journalistic reports that involve graphic depictions. Moreover, concerns may arise regarding the balance between protecting users from explicit content and preserving the platforms' integrity as spaces for free expression and discourse. Opponents could also discuss the challenges faced by smaller platforms, which may find it difficult to establish the necessary infrastructure to adhere to these requirements.
Requires social media networks to provide and maintain mechanisms for deleting individual accounts on their platform; requires social media networks to have a clear and concise policy readily available and accessible on their website and application which includes how such social media network will delete individual user accounts and all associated personal data on their platform.
Enacts the "stopping abuse and fraud enabled by (SAFE) platforms act"; requires a mechanism for users to report fraudulent content; prohibits platforms recommending, promoting, curating, prioritizing, or displaying fraudulent content for delivery to a user if it knows or has reason to know that the content is fraudulent.
Enacts the "stopping abuse and fraud enabled by (SAFE) platforms act"; requires a mechanism for users to report fraudulent content; prohibits platforms recommending, promoting, curating, prioritizing, or displaying fraudulent content for delivery to a user if it knows or has reason to know that the content is fraudulent.
Social media platforms requirements established relating to accounts for minors, and enforcement mechanisms established for regulations on child social media accounts.
Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.
Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.