This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Advocates Hope Requiring Social Media Companies To Disclose Harassment Policies Will Help Curtail Extremism And Misinformation
A new California law requires big social media companies to disclose harassment policies on their platforms.
(
stnazkul/Getty Images
/
iStock
)
Topline:
A new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom forces social media companies to disclose harassment policies for their platforms.
Why now: Kendall Kosai with the Anti-Defamation League says the group pushed for the bill to help combat the growing presence of online hate and harassment. He says the information will be the foundation for future legislation aiming to curtail online hate, extremism, and misinformation.
"We have to really start by understanding the scope of the problem. And like the importance of gathering data on hate crime, this bill has a tremendous value to public safety by really giving us a better look at the trends."
What it covers: In addition to publicly posting terms of service, the bill requires social media companies to submit reports to the state's Attorney General by January 2024. The law only applies to social media companies with at least a $100 million in annual gross revenue.
Read the bill: AB 587 (signed by Newsom on Tuesday, Sept. 13)
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
