US Judge Blocks New York’s Social Media Law Targeting Hate Speech, Cites First Amendment Concerns

US Judge Blocks New York’s Social Media Law Targeting Hate Speech, Cites First Amendment Concerns
A general view shows the Manhattan skyline from the One Vanderbilt viewing deck in New York City on Jan. 16, 2023. Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images
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A federal judge recently issued a preliminary injunction against a New York state law that implicates hate speech, saying it violates Americans’ constitutionally-protected First Amendment rights.

New York General Business Law Section 394-ccc, also referred to as the Hateful Conduct Law, came into effect on Dec. 3, 2022. It compels platforms to “provide and maintain mechanisms for reporting hateful conduct on their platform.” It also empowers New York’s attorney general to assess a fine of up to $1,000 per day on platforms that don’t comply.