More Internet Law news More news in Texas Find Internet Law lawyers in Texas
On December 9, 2025, Texas Governor Kevin Patterson signed a new internet law aimed at combating the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. The law, titled the Social Media Accountability Act, will require social media companies to take stronger measures to prevent the dissemination of false or misleading information on their platforms.Under the new law, social media platforms will be required to implement fact-checking measures for posts and content that is flagged as potentially misleading or false. The platforms will also be required to provide users with tools to report misinformation and take swift action to remove or label such content.Governor Patterson emphasized the importance of combating misinformation in today's digital age, stating, "In an era of fake news and disinformation, it is crucial that we hold social media platforms accountable for the content they allow to spread on their platforms. This law will help protect the public from being misled by false information online."The Social Media Accountability Act also includes provisions aimed at promoting transparency on social media platforms. Companies will be required to disclose information about the algorithms they use to determine what content is shown to users, as well as any partnerships or collaborations they have with third-party organizations.The new law has already sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it infringes on free speech rights and could lead to censorship of legitimate content. However, Governor Patterson defended the law, stating that it is necessary to combat the growing problem of misinformation online.Texas is not the only state taking action to address misinformation on social media. Several other states have also passed similar laws in recent years, signaling a growing trend towards increased regulation of online content.Overall, the Social Media Accountability Act represents a significant step towards holding social media platforms accountable for the content they allow to be shared on their platforms. It remains to be seen how effectively the new law will be implemented and enforced, but it is clear that addressing misinformation online is a pressing issue that policymakers are taking seriously.