The bill, passed by the GOP-dominated state Legislature Thursday and awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature, would make it a crime to remove state political candidates from Twitter and Facebook, and would mete out penalties of $250,000 a day for any statewide candidate who is deplatformed.

Removing more local candidates would cost the company $25,000 a day.

The bill would also require tech companies to provide users with seven days’ notice that they are subject to being banned and allow them to remedy the issue. It would still allow them to suspend users for up to 14 days. //

While many on the right might be hesitant about supporting government action against Big Tech, others have pointed out that these companies have garnered a troubling level of power over American society. When a small group of people can control what millions of Americans see and hear, it is difficult to avoid state intervention.

In essence, these companies have amassed influence that puts them on par with the Fourth Estate and the government in their ability to sway public opinion. It has become apparent that the individuals who lead these organizations are not interested in using their power responsibly.