Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association has submitted comments opposing rules proposed by the Missouri Attorney General that would severely restrict how digital services moderate harmful content online. If adopted, the rules would block companies from using essential trust and safety tools, require them to hand content moderation control to third parties, and expose users’ private data to new security risks.
The proposed rules, issued under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, would force covered platforms to allow outside entities to manage content decisions — without proper oversight or privacy protections. This approach would make it harder to remove scams, harassment, and other illegal or dangerous content, while violating websites’ First Amendment right to decide what speech they host.
CCIA also warns that the proposed rules would hurt innovation and competition by imposing vague, costly requirements on digital services, including small and mid-sized businesses. The broad definition of “social media platform” further adds legal uncertainty, sweeping in many services not designed for public communication.
The following statement can be attributed to Megan Stokes, State Policy Director at CCIA:
“Missouri’s proposed content moderation rules would put online users at serious risk. It would make it harder for social media platforms to take down dangerous content — and easier for scammers, criminals, and bad actors to operate online. Content moderation is what keeps digital spaces safe, and it’s also protected by the Constitution. Missouri’s proposal is a direct threat to online safety, user privacy, and free expression. 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.”
