Missouri’s Proposed Content Moderation Rules Will Expose Private Data, Says CCIA
The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) raised privacy concerns with proposed rules in Missouri that would alter how content is moderated online. In comments to the Missouri attorney general on Wednesday, the association argued the rules pose security risks to users and their data, force third parties to handle content moderation and violate the First Amendment.
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“Mandating data access for content moderation will undermine sites’ cybersecurity and violate users’ privacy, putting their data at risk,” CCIA said. “Additionally, the Proposed Rules prohibit covered platforms from vetting these third parties’ privacy and security practices, effectively removing any checks against bad actors posing as content moderation services in order to access user data. Even well-intentioned content moderator tools may lack adequate privacy and security practices and become targets for criminals, hackers, and foreign state actors.”
NetChoice also submitted comments on the rule, calling it unconstitutional and unworkable. "By demanding transformational changes, the Rule imposes enormous compliance burdens and creates significant user safety and privacy concerns," the trade association said.
AG Andrew Bailey (R) announced the rule under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act in May, with the aim of targeting corporate censorship and protecting free speech, according to a press release from his office issued at the time.
“We urge the Attorney General to abandon this approach and work instead on real solutions that protect people without putting their data and safety in harm’s way,” said Megan Stokes, state policy director at CCIA, in a press release.
The Missouri OAG did not respond to a request for comment.