Monday morning saw the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments. The first case on the docket focused on social media platforms and content moderation, which could have significant implications for free speech online.
NetChoice, representing major social media companies, filed lawsuits challenging state laws that restrict platforms from moderating user content or banning users.
The court heard arguments in Moody v. NetChoice, a case involving a Florida law that restricts platforms from censoring political candidates or news organizations. NetChoice v. Paxton, the second case, challenges a Texas law prohibiting censorship based on a user’s perspective or expression.
NetChoice, representing companies like Pinterest, TikTok, X, and Meta, argued that these laws violate their First Amendment rights. The cases feed into claims of conservative censorship by big tech.
These lawsuits could impact Section 230 protections for social media companies, which shield them from legal responsibility for user-generated content. The Court has other key cases related to social media moderation on its docket.
In May 2023, the Court’s rulings on cases affecting Section 230 protections could reshape internet governance.
Source: www.theguardian.com
