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TikTok influencer in Montana after the ban was issued - AP23187638051023

AP Photo/Tommy Martino

Efforts to undermine First Amendment rights on the internet and to censor online content are a fundamental threat to the free press.

When lawmakers try to censor online speech or entire platforms, it harms the First Amendment rights on which journalists rely.

Most people get their news online, and the internet and social media are especially important for independent and citizen journalists who publish there. Anyone who cares about press freedom should also oppose attempts to undermine free speech online.

Email Congress to stop online censorship bills

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Edit this message so that it is unique to you: Dear Member of Congress, As your constituent, I urge you to VOTE NO on any bills that give the government power to censor online content, especially the Kids Online Safety Act, and on any bills mandating or pressuring app stores, apps, and websites to use age verification. While these bills claim to protect children, they would instead enable government censorship, restricting access to information for both kids and adults. Age verification requirements will result in online ID checks that force children and adults to share sensitive personal information, undermining online privacy and anonymous speech. As a supporter of a free press, I’m especially concerned these measures could silence news and whistleblowers by encouraging the removal of news content online and making anonymous posting harder. In addition, these measures risk making it harder for journalists and news outlets to reach audiences by undermining smaller, newer platforms on which journalists share their work. Because smaller and newer platforms will be less likely to be able to afford to comply with KOSA and other bills’ requirements, these bills will consolidate the power of larger social media platforms that often do not prioritize the sharing of news. Please stand up for free expression and a free press by voting NO on KOSA and similar bills. URLs are not allowed in this message.

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