MS HB544

Creates private right of action for social media users against platforms with over 75 million subscribers for purposeful deletion or censoring of religious or political speech, or use of algorithms to shadowban or disfavor such speech.

Provides minimum statutory damages of $75,000 per deletion or censoring incident, plus actual damages, punitive damages if aggravating factors exist, and attorney fees for prevailing parties.

Exempts platforms from liability for censoring speech that calls for violence, self-harm, obscene material harmful to minors, content from inauthentic sources, or that entices criminal conduct.

Prohibits platforms from using alleged "hate speech" as a defense or justification for censorship actions, and allows Mississippi Attorney General to bring civil actions on behalf of affected residents.

Applies only to social media websites open to the public, unaffiliated with any single religion or political party since inception, with procedures for reporting and removing obscene material; takes effect July 1, 2021.