Meta’s Changed Content Rules Spur California Democratic Response

California Democrats are taking aim at content moderation changes from Meta Platforms Inc. that they contend could trigger threats of physical harm.

State lawmakers, backed by civil-rights groups, are pushing legislation (SB 771) by state Sen. Henry Stern (D) that would impose up to $1 million penalties on platforms if their algorithms aid in illegal intimidation and harassment. The state Senate passed the measure on June 4 and sent it to the Assembly, where lawmakers have until September to send to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). The bill’s fate in the Assembly is unclear.

Platforms that intentionally help facilitate ...