South Carolina Media Law Law News - South Carolina Introduces New Media Law Addressing Online Misinformation
On February 23, 2026, South Carolina made headlines in the realm of media law with the introduction of a new bill aimed at combating the spread of online misinformation. The bill, known as the Truth in Media Act, seeks to hold internet platforms accountable for the dissemination of false or misleading information on their platforms.In recent years, the issue of online misinformation has become a growing concern, with many lawmakers and experts pointing to the role of social media platforms in amplifying and spreading false information. The Truth in Media Act is seen as a proactive measure to address this problem and safeguard the public from the potential harm caused by misleading content.Under the provisions of the bill, internet platforms operating in South Carolina will be required to implement measures to reduce the spread of misinformation on their platforms. This includes establishing policies and procedures for fact-checking content, as well as implementing mechanisms to identify and remove false or misleading information.Furthermore, the Truth in Media Act also mandates that internet platforms provide users with easily accessible tools to report misinformation, and require platforms to issue corrections or retractions for any false information that is identified and removed.The bill has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to protect the public from the harmful effects of misinformation, while critics raise concerns about potential limitations on free speech and the burden placed on internet platforms to police content.South Carolina joins a growing number of states and countries around the world that are taking action to address the issue of online misinformation. It remains to be seen how effective the Truth in Media Act will be in combating the spread of false information, but its introduction signals a recognition of the importance of addressing this pressing issue in the digital age.