SB25-086: Colorado’s Plan to Censor Gun Owners and Blacklist Them On Social Media

Colorado SB25-086 is being sold as a child safety measure. It claims to protect minors on social media by requiring companies to report data, take down illicit content, and assist law enforcement. But behind the feel-good language lies something far more insidious: a blueprint for government-driven censorship of those who discuss firearms on social platforms, as well as gun stores who promote products they have for legal sale. 

This bill passed with bipartisan support – and bipartisan opposition – largely flew under the radar. It now sits on Governor Jared Polis’ desk. He has indicated he will veto it. He should. And gun rights supporters should make damn sure the legislature doesn’t override that veto.

What the Bill Actually Does

SB25-086 creates a complex web of obligations for any social media company with more than 100,000 Colorado users. Here’s what it requires:

• Platforms must monitor and report “subject uses”, which include the “sale of a firearm in violation of state or federal law.”

• “Firearm” doesn’t just mean a gun—it includes unfinished frames and receivers, 3D-printed components, and even conversion devices, whether legal or not.

• Platforms must take down user content and suspend accounts within 10 days of detecting or being notified of “subject use”—even if that content is completely lawful but violates “published policies.”

• They’re then required to ban the user from creating any new account—a digital blacklist.

• These platforms must also report violators to law enforcement and comply with search warrants within 72 hours.

If a social media company doesn’t act fast enough or censors too little, they could face charges under Colorado’s deceptive trade practices laws.

Why This Targets Gun Owners

The bill’s language specifically targets legal gun culture under the guise of stopping crime:

• “Subject use” includes “the sale of a firearm in violation of state or federal law.” But social media companies are not law enforcement agencies. They’re not qualified to determine whether a particular sale is lawful, or what language could lead to a sale. How often do discussions take place about what people should buy or how to build their own firearms? Yet this bill makes private companies the judge, jury, and executioner. 

• It will lead to a chilling effect on speech related to firearms and firearm issues, including gun rights activism such as mine, across all social platforms, beyond what we’ve already experienced. It makes social media companies do the censorship bidding of state agents – but only for Colorado residents.

• The bill mandates the removal of content and suspension of users before guilt is even established.

• If someone posts about building a homemade firearm or 3D-printed part—even if legal—platforms may take it down to avoid liability.

• That’s prior restraint. That’s censorship. And if you’re a gun rights advocate sharing technical or legal information, you’re now a target.

• A law like this could also significantly impact gun stores and FFLs who regularly promote the products they have available for legal purchase on social media platforms. Not only would they be censored, they would have their accounts suspended, and be reported to law enforcement which could trigger a visit from the brand new state level ATF.

In other words: talk about gun rights, get censored. Talk about how to lawfully build a gun, get banned. And possibly get turned over to the police.

This Is Not Just a Tech Issue—It’s a Civil Rights Issue

This bill compels private companies to act as government enforcers. It pressures them to over-censor, especially when it comes to sensitive or controversial topics. And it does so with vague definitions and zero due process for users.

The legislation also uses the language of safety to justify government surveillance and speech regulation. The reporting and enforcement provisions mirror the kind of authoritarian internet laws we criticize in other countries.

Make no mistake—SB25-086 is a gun control measure disguised as child protection. It’s the state using tech companies to suppress lawful speech, and it directly impacts the rights of gun owners, builders, sellers, and advocates. Even gun control advocacy group Ceasefire Colorado testified in support of the bill and sent a call to action to their supporters calling it “an important gun violence prevention bill”.

Here’s What You Can Do

Governor Polis has publicly said he may veto this bill. During the February 19, 2025 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, a spokesperson from Polis’ office said he would not support this bill.

That’s not good enough, we need to make sure he follows through. And just as importantly, we must be ready if the legislature tries to override the veto.

Contact Governor Polis: Tell him to veto SB25-086 and stand up for civil liberties!

(303) 866-2885
Governorpolis@state.co.us

If Governor Polis does veto this bill we will still face the possibility of the state legislature overriding his veto. Also reach out to your elected State House Rep and State Senator and tell them NOT to override the Governor’s veto! Find their contact info here.

This isn’t just bad policy. It’s a backdoor assault on the rights of law-abiding Coloradans.

We don’t need another government-run censorship machine. We don’t need more vague, overreaching surveillance laws. And we definitely don’t need social media platforms acting as deputized informants against law-abiding gun owners.

Tell Governor Polis: Veto SB25-086. Defend our rights.