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The role of social networks in the management of the content shared on their platform is more and more criticized. We were recently talking about the fight against misinformation and fake news, and now the subject of censorship of certain content is coming up again. Yes, Texas has just voted a law forbidding social networks to ban users according to their political opinions. An announcement that did not go unnoticed and that reopens this important debate. Passion Media comes back with you on this announcementÂ
Texas takes action against social networks
This is a first in the world! Gregory Wayne Abbott (aka Greg Abbott), a veteran Republican and governor of Texas, passed a law in early September to prohibit social networks from banning users “based on their political views. And he is not the only one to take the step. Indeed, he is supported in this approach by a large number of Republican elected officials. An opinion to be taken with hindsight when we know that social networks are precisely the privileged place of communication of Republicans.
An echo of the blocking of Donald Trump’s account
This decision directly echoes the controversy that there had been with the blocking of the account of Donald Trump. The latter had then supported the rioters who invaded the Congress in Washington, and thus incited his supporters to violence. Comments that were considered contrary to the platform’s policies in terms of integrity and violence, and on which the measures taken by the platform were eagerly awaited.
A measure put forward in the name of freedom of expression
The message put forward by the governor? The desire to protect users and guarantee freedom of expression. And on this point, Facebook defends its strategy, just like other social networks. Indeed, the latter largely put forward the rules of use of their platforms, aiming at guaranteeing exchanges without hate or violence. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to control it, and this is precisely what they are accused of.
Florida to follow suit
It seems that this decision is inspiring other states and governors. Indeed, Ron DeSantis (also a Republican) has tried to pass a similar law in Florida. The only difference? The amendment was aimed precisely at the political issue. The idea was to prevent social networks from suspending content posted by political candidates. This was finally rejected by a federal judge. The judge ruled that it was simply in contradiction with “accepted constitutional principles” of free speech.
