In a statement issued on April 21, 2026, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) voiced strong opposition to two pending California bills—SB 1142, dubbed the “Digital Dignity Act,” and AB 2169, the “Digital Choice Act”—ahead of scheduled hearings before the California Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.
CCIA argues that SB 1142’s notice-and-takedown framework, which would require platforms to remove content based on private reports without prior judicial review, raises serious First Amendment concerns. The association warns this could lead to over-removal of lawful speech—including satire, commentary, and news reporting—as platforms may err on the side of caution to avoid liability. CCIA also highlights the bills’ broad and vague definitions, which could sweep in protected expression and create uncertainty for both users and businesses.(ccianet.org)
Regarding AB 2169, CCIA cautions that its interoperability mandates could undermine user privacy and data security by forcing companies to create interfaces that allow third parties to access and transfer user data. The association notes that such requirements may be technically infeasible and could conflict with existing privacy safeguards. CCIA further raises concerns that the bill may infringe on platforms’ editorial discretion, potentially triggering First Amendment issues.(ccianet.org)
CCIA also points out that both bills may conflict with existing California laws and could be preempted by federal law, including Section 230 of the Communications Act. By shifting liability onto platforms rather than the original bad actors and imposing rigid new obligations, the proposals risk fragmenting national standards and creating compliance challenges.(ccianet.org)
As California continues to lead in AI and digital regulation, CCIA’s pushback underscores the tension between innovation, free expression, and regulatory overreach. The upcoming hearings will be a critical juncture for determining whether these bills can be refined to address constitutional and practical concerns—or whether they will stall amid industry resistance.