Wicker aims to prevent collusion between federal government, Big Tech

A bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) would require interactive computer services providers to publicly disclose if any government entities — foreign or domestic — make requests or recommendations to moderate content.

“The government should not be colluding with Big Tech to censor American voices online,” Sen. Wicker said. “This legislation will help preserve First Amendment freedoms and ensure Americans get the transparency they deserve.”

Sen. Wicker was one of several Republicans on July 13 to propose the Preventing Restrictions and Empowering Speakers to Enable Robust and Varied Exchanges in Online Speech Act of 2023, S. 2314, also known as the PRESERVE Online Speech Act of 2023. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).

Among several provisions, S. 2314 would require internet companies to publicly disclose within seven days any government (U.S. or foreign) request to moderate content outside of a law enforcement proceeding and detail any action taken as a result, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Wicker’s staff.

The bill also would levy a daily fine of $50,000 on non-compliant firms. The funds would be collected by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and deposited into the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to provide rural broadband access. The FCC also would be required to submit an annual report to Congress covering all government censorship requests during a given year and any resulting actions taken, the summary says.

The measure has been referred to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.