S 1914 — Ending Support for Internet Censorship Act
Last action — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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✓Introduced
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2In Committee
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3Passed Senate
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4Passed House
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.
In plain language
The bill aims to require politically neutral content moderation from certain online platforms.
This legislation seeks to amend the Communications Decency Act, mandating that providers of interactive computer services practice politically neutral content moderation. Companies must obtain a certification from the Federal Trade Commission to assure compliance.
Summary
Ending Support for Internet Censorship Act This bill prohibits a large social media company from moderating information on its platform from a politically biased standpoint. Under current law, a social media company is generally immune from liability with respect to content posted on its platform by users and other content providers. However, the bill removes this statutory immunity unless the social media company obtains certification from the Federal Trade Commission that it does not moderate information on its platform in a manner that is biased against a political party, candidate, or viewpoint.
Bill Text
- Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html June 19, 2019
Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.
The bill amends Section 230 of the Communications Act to require politically neutral content moderation for certain providers of interactive computer services to retain liability protections.
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47 U.S.C. 230(c)
(3) Requirement of politically unbiased content moderation by covered companies.--(A) In general.--Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply in the case of a covered company unless the company has in effect an immunity certification from the Federal Trade Commission...
A new requirement is introduced that certain companies must demonstrate politically neutral content moderation to receive liability protection.
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47 U.S.C. 230(c)(2)(B)
paragraph (1)→ subparagraph (A)The reference within Section 230(c)(2)(B) is updated to correctly link to the newly defined subparagraph regarding immunity certification.
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47 U.S.C. 230(f)
(5) Covered company.--The term 'covered company' means a provider of an interactive computer service... that, at any time during the most recent 12-month period--(A) had more than 30,000,000 active monthly users in the United States;...
A new definition of 'covered company' is introduced, establishing criteria based on user base and revenue.
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47 U.S.C. 230(f)
(6) Moderate.--(A) In general.--The term 'moderate' means--(i) to influence if, when, where, or how information or other content provided by a third-party user appears on a covered company's interactive computer service;...
A definition of 'moderate' is added to clarify the actions companies take in managing content.
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47 U.S.C. 230(f)
(7) Business necessity.--The term 'necessary for business' refers to a lawful act that advances the growth, development, or profitability of a company but does not include any action designed to appeal to, or gain favor from, persons or groups because of their political beliefs,...
A definition of 'business necessity' is introduced, providing a standard under which content moderation practices can be evaluated.
Action History
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Introduced in Senate
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sponsors
- Josh Hawley · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Hawley, Josh Republican
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (546)
546 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 546 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does S 1914 do?
- Ending Support for Internet Censorship Act This bill prohibits a large social media company from moderating information on its platform from a politically biased standpoint. Under current law, a social media company is generally immune from liability with respect to content posted on its platform by users and other content providers. However, the bill removes this statutory immunity unless the social media company obtains certification from the Federal Trade Commission that it does not moderate information on its platform in a manner that is biased against a political party, candidate, or viewpoint.
- Who sponsors S 1914?
- S 1914 is sponsored by Hawley, Josh (Republican).
- What is the current status of S 1914?
- This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
- Where can I track S 1914?
- Track S 1914 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously
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