Ban on Federal Censorship and Private Right to Sue for Free Speech Violations.
This Act aims to protect online free speech by prohibiting federal employees and contractors from directing or coercing online platforms to censor content protected by the First Amendment. Citizens whose speech is censored due to government action gain the right to file a civil lawsuit against the federal agency and the specific employee involved. This strengthens civil rights protection in the digital sphere and introduces accountability for attempts to suppress lawful expression.
Key points
Prohibition on Federal Employees: Executive agency employees and contractors (including the President and Vice President) are forbidden from directing, coercing, or encouraging online platforms to remove, suppress, label as false, or restrict the reach of constitutionally protected speech.
Right to Sue: Individuals whose content was censored due to employee actions can bring a civil action for damages and injunctive relief against the agency and the specific employee who committed the violation.
Data Protection: The Act prohibits officials from encouraging platforms to share user data (such as search history, location data, or private messages) with federal agencies, except when authorized by a court warrant.
Presumption of Liability: If an employee communicated with a platform regarding a specific person's content or data, there is a rebuttable presumption of liability against the agency or employee, making it easier for citizens to pursue claims.
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