Missouri – Against what he terms “corporate censorship,” Missouri’s top legal officer has decisively introduced a first-ever state rule meant to seize content control from major social media platforms. Aiming directly at Big Tech’s control over what consumers see—and don’t see—online, Attorney General Andrew Bailey said earlier this week that he has submitted a new rule under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
Social networking sites running in Missouri would be required under the newly suggested 15 CSR 60-19 to allow users the ability to choose their own content moderators. Missouri citizens should choose for independent review services instead of relying on each company’s in-house algorithms—often condemned as biased or opaque. Platforms would have to show a clear option screen both when an account is first created and frequently thereafter, so guaranteeing users are not trapped with a single, monopolistic moderating system.
Key parts of the policy prohibit platforms from favoring their own moderating tools. They also prevent businesses from building unjust obstacles to outside moderators, like too high prices or limited access policies. Carefully carved exceptions would shield children from exploitation and guard against illegal threats, therefore balancing free expression and online safety.
“Big Tech oligarchs have manipulated the content Missourians see online and silenced voices they don’t like. That ends now,” said Attorney General Bailey. “With this rule, Missouri becomes the first state in America to take real, enforceable action against corporate censorship. I’m using every tool to ensure Missourians—not Silicon Valley—control what they see on social media.”
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The legal basis of the rests on guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Moody v. NetChoice, which upheld states’ ability to enforce competition laws in the interest of free speech. Bailey’s office contends that without such policies, social media behemoths have too much influence on public discourse, hence influencing opinions via concealed or prejudiced moderating practices.
Bailey intends to hold a number of public forums in the next weeks as part of the rollout. These events will allow Missourians to provide first-hand accounts of misleading or unjust activities by social media companies by inviting feedback from ordinary users, activists, and professionals. The feedback will assist in fine-tuning the rule prior to its complete implementation.
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Should it be enacted, Missouri’s law might provide a guide for other states struggling with the consequences of centralized material management. Residents may now read the whole text of 15 CSR 60-19 online and get ready to comment at upcoming hearings. Attorney General Bailey’s action indicates a new front in the battle to restore the online public square in a world where digital speech sometimes seems at the mercy of unaccountable technology companies.
