Sen. Wyden objects to proposal that social media sites do more to stop terror

Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden is blocking a bill that would require social media and online sites like Google, Yahoo, Twitter and Facebook to alert federal authorities of any terrorist activity.

The social media requirement was tucked into a broader bill authorizing intelligence programs for the 2016 budget year. According to Wyden, Senate leaders had hoped to pass the bill by unanimous consent, bypassing any debate.

In a statement filed in the Congressional Record on Tuesday, Wyden said social media companies had raised enough valid concerns about the bill in recent private meetings that the Senate should have a full debate on the issue.

Wyden said he hasn't heard anyone in law enforcement say the bill would "actually help catch terrorists."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, supports the measure.