Senate bill would make social media report ‘terrorist activity’

Social media operators such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube would have to notify federal authorities of online “terrorist activity,” according to the text of a bill approved by the Senate Intelligence Committee and seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

 

The types of communication include postings related to “explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction,” according to the text. An official familiar with the bill said it was sent to the Senate floor for a vote.

 

The official said its main purpose was to give social media companies additional legal protection if they reported to the authorities on traffic circulated by their users, rather than coerce them to spy on users.

 

It was unclear when the Senate might vote on the bill.

 

A congressional official said it was also unclear whether the House of Representatives would pursue similar legislation, which would be necessary for the proposed requirement to become law.

 

Read More: Senate bill would make social media report ‘terrorist activity’ – Yahoo News