On Tuesday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox vetoed S.B. 228, a bill requiring social media corporations to provide clear information about their moderation practices to Utah users. After conversations with the legislative and executive branches, the veto was determined as the best path forward due to “technical issues,” according to a news release from the governor's office.While the legislative and executive branches agreed censorship by big tech companies is a serious concern, they also agreed this bill wasn’t the correct solution to the issues. Cox said he appreciates the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Michael McKell (who happens to be Cox’s brother-in-law) and Rep. Brady Brammer, for their willingness to seek a better solution to the “novel issues around freedom of speech, the rights of private companies and the toxic divisiveness” caused by new media.
Utah policymakers and Cox will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure Utahns have an equal opportunity to exercise their First Amendment right.
Sen. McKell intends to open a new bill file on May 5, 2021 to address censorship issues. The policy in the new bill will be determined after consulting with stakeholders, lawmakers and the executive branch.
