Jared Polis vetoes bills to regulate social media platforms and charge fees on some video game transactions

May 29, 2026 - 12:37

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has vetoed two bills that aimed to regulate social media platforms and impose fees on certain video game transactions, marking his first vetoes of the 2026 legislative session. The session ended earlier this month, and the governor's decision has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers and industry groups.

The first bill would have required social media companies to implement stricter content moderation policies and provide more transparency about their algorithms. Supporters argued it was necessary to protect minors from harmful content and data exploitation. However, Polis stated in his veto letter that the legislation was overly broad and could stifle innovation. He also expressed concern that it might violate free speech protections under the First Amendment.

The second bill targeted video game companies by imposing a fee on microtransactions, such as in-game purchases for virtual items or currency. Proponents said the fee would fund programs for youth mental health and gambling addiction. Polis rejected the measure, calling it a "tax on entertainment" that would disproportionately affect younger players and small developers. He noted that existing consumer protection laws already address predatory practices in gaming.

Both vetoes have sparked debate. Some lawmakers criticized the governor for blocking popular measures, while tech and gaming advocates praised him for avoiding overregulation. The legislature could attempt to override the vetoes, though that would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.