Major social media companies operating in New York must now publicly report how they handle hate speech, disinformation, and online harassment under a new transparency law that took effect October 1.
The “Stop Hiding Hate” Act requires platforms with over $100 million in annual revenue to submit biannual reports to the New York State Office of the Attorney General. These reports must detail each company’s content moderation policies, including definitions of harmful content, enforcement practices, and data on flagged and removed posts.
The new law aims to increase accountability in an industry that has often faced criticism for allowing harmful rhetoric to spread unchecked online.
“With violence and polarization on the rise, social media companies must ensure that their platforms don’t fuel hateful rhetoric and disinformation,” said Attorney General Letitia James.
Transparency through reporting
Under the new rules, platforms must publicly post their terms of service in plain language, explain how users can report violations, and disclose what actions they may take — such as post removal, demonetization, or reduced visibility.
Their reports must include:
- Total number of posts flagged as potential violations
- Number of posts where action was taken
- Details on what actions were applied
Companies that fail to comply or provide misleading information could face civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation, per day.
Legislative push after rise in online hate
Lawmakers say the act responds to increasing public concern over how online content can fuel real-world harm. Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who sponsored the legislation alongside Assemblymember Grace Lee, emphasized the need for transparency in tackling antisemitism, white supremacy, anti-AAPI violence, and anti-LGBTQ hate.
“Starting today, New Yorkers will finally get the transparency they deserve from social media companies,” said Lee.
The first round of reporting is due by January 1 and will continue on a twice-yearly basis moving forward.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].