SB10 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenWill BarfootTom ButlerChris ElliottGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonTim MelsonDan RobertsDavid SessionsShay ShelnuttTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Freedom of speech, service providers, prohibit from taking certain restrictive actions against a user based on content of speech expressed

Summary

Alabama SB10 would protect online speech by banning large platforms from censoring users based on viewpoint or true statements and would allow damages-based lawsuits when violations occur.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit major interactive computer services from taking actions against a user based on the user's viewpoint or true statements, such as blocking accounts or removing or obscuring content. It would create civil remedies, allowing affected users to sue for damages in Alabama courts. It defines which platforms are covered and includes carve-outs, safeguards for filtering, and limits tied to where and how expressions are transmitted or used, along with standard legal provisions.

Who It Affects

• Individual users of major online platforms in Alabama or those who do business in Alabama, who would be protected from censorship actions based on viewpoint or true statements and could seek damages if violated.
• Major interactive computer services that meet the defined size and presence thresholds (and do business in Alabama), who would be restricted in their moderation actions and subject to civil penalties and potential damages if they violate the act.

Key Provisions

• Unlawful actions: A major interactive computer service may not block, restrict, suspend, terminate, remove, reject content, obscure, alter, or discriminate against a user based on the user's viewpoint or true statements of fact.
• Civil penalties: A violating service must pay $100,000 for each offense and an additional $100,000 for each day the offense continues.
• Who may sue and where: A person damaged by such a service may sue in Alabama in circuit court if they reside/domicile in Alabama or do business in Alabama.
• Definitions and scope: The act defines major interactive computer services and sets thresholds (e.g., user counts, revenue, Alabama presence) to determine coverage; it includes exceptions (e.g., does not apply to expressions outside Alabama, allows filtering of content, preserves press freedoms) and specifies an effective date.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Freedom of Speech