(The Center Square) – Supporters of a bill that protects young people using social media are calling on Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to sign it.
They held a news conference Monday morning to garner support for Senate Bill 25-086, which is called “Protections for Users of Social Media.” The legislation, which the General Assembly passed Thursday with bipartisan support, would require social media platforms to publish their policies. It also requires social media companies to determine within 72 hours after a complaint whether someone violated those policies. And the bill would mandate social companies remove users who violate their policies.
Also under the legislation, a social media platform with at least 1 million users would have to provide a streamlined process to allow law enforcement to contact the company. The legislation would also require social media companies to comply with a search warrant within 72 hours of receiving the warrant.
And SB 25-086 would require social media companies to submit an annual report to the Colorado attorney general with data on illegal activity on their platforms, including firearms sales that violate state and federal laws, sales of illicit substances, sex trafficking of minors, and possession, display, sale, exchange or creation of sexually exploitative material involving minors.
Polis expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on freedom, innovation and privacy in a statement sent to ABC7 in Denver. A spokesperson said the Democratic governor “is not comfortable with the government forcing private social media companies to act as law enforcement, and will review the final version of the legislation.”
