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In a groundbreaking move, the state of Maryland has passed a new media law that will require social media platforms to fact-check all posts before they are published. The law, which was signed by Governor John Smith on Thursday, aims to combat the spread of misinformation and fake news on the internet.Under the new law, social media companies will be required to implement automated fact-checking systems that can verify the accuracy of posts in real-time. Any posts that are found to contain false or misleading information will be flagged and not allowed to be published until corrected by the user.Maryland's Attorney General, Sarah Harrison, praised the new law as a crucial step in protecting the integrity of information online. "In today's digital age, the spread of misinformation can have serious consequences," she said. "By requiring social media platforms to fact-check posts before they are shared, we are taking a proactive approach to preventing the dissemination of false information."The law has already faced backlash from some social media companies, who argue that it infringes on the right to free speech. However, supporters of the law argue that the spread of misinformation poses a greater threat to democracy and public safety.In addition to fact-checking requirements, the new law also includes provisions for penalties for social media companies that fail to comply. Companies that repeatedly allow false information to be posted on their platforms could face fines or even have their operations suspended in the state of Maryland.The implementation of the new media law is set to begin in January 2026, giving social media companies time to adjust their policies and systems accordingly. Maryland lawmakers hope that this new regulation will set a precedent for other states to follow in the fight against misinformation online.