Supreme Court Could Soon Quash Big Tech Censorship; Supreme Court to Hear First Amendment Challenge Over State Laws Targeting Social Media Censorship

Supreme Court could soon quash Big Tech censorship:

Never before in US history have Americans been less free to see and say what they want.

The blame goes mostly to the social-media giants like Facebook, YouTube and Google that censor political views they don’t like.

But the tech giants’ day of reckoning is near.

Justice Clarence Thomas is taking them on.

Phone companies like AT&T and Sprint can’t shut down your account because of your political views.

American Airlines can’t refuse to sell you a ticket because you’ve questioned climate change or COVID lockdowns.

A hotel can’t deny you accommodations because you’re a Republican.

The law forbids it.

That same ban against political discrimination should apply to social-media platforms.

Thomas has argued against Big Tech censorship since at least 2021, saying these companies should have to serve all customers, just like phone companies, utilities and public accommodations. —>READ MORE HERE

Supreme Court to hear First Amendment challenge over state laws targeting social media censorship:

The Supreme Court announced Friday it will hear a major First Amendment dispute over social media laws in Florida and Texas targeting censorship during the high court’s upcoming term, which begins next week.

Both laws limited the ability of large social media companies — like X, Tik Tok and Facebook — to moderate speech on their platforms.

Court watchers say it’s a major case that could set the parameters for free speech in the digital age.

In Texas, lawmakers enacted a law in 2021 prohibiting social media companies from removing and moderating content that some might find offensive or hateful. It also required the companies to disclose certain business practices, such as the use of algorithms.

A federal court in Texas blocked parts of the law from taking effect. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that ruling but the injunction has remained in place pending appeal.

Also in 2021, Florida lawmakers enacted a law that placed a fine of $25,000 to $250,000 per day on large social media companies that de-platform political candidates.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida and the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the law from taking effect because of First Amendment concerns. —>READ MORE HERE

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