Disruption

California bill targets platforms for online hate speech

It clarifies that social media companies are subject to existing laws barring hate crimes, terrorism and intimidation.

Austin Jenkins

10:49 AM, Jun 09, 2025

Workers install lighting on an “X” sign atop the company headquarters, formerly known as Twitter, in downtown San Francisco, Friday, July 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File)

California senators have passed a novel bill to hold social media companies civilly liable if their algorithms amplify hate speech.

The bill from Sen. Henry Stern (D) cites a rise in anti-immigrant hate crimes, “extreme” misogyny online, bullying of LGBTQ teens and young adults, and a “spike” in antisemitic incidents. 

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