Following the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Moody v. NetChoice, ruling on Florida and Texas’ social media laws, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) issued a statement from Senior Policy Manager Ash Johnson.
"Free speech rights do not end on social media. The Supreme Court’s decision to remand the cases against Florida and Texas rightly prioritized the First Amendment issues that are at the heart of both cases. In attempting to regulate social media platforms’ editorial decisions, Florida and Texas threaten the free speech rights not just of those platforms but of their users."
The ITIF emphasized that the Internet economy has thrived in the United States under a light-touch regime that protects free speech for both platforms and users. This approach has resulted in a variety of online services, including social media networks, catering to diverse user needs.
"Florida and Texas’ laws both threaten the stability of the Internet economy by dictating how social media platforms can operate with regards to political speech, one of the most important forms of free speech in a democracy," Johnson added. The Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Courts are expected to consider these First Amendment implications during their review following the Supreme Court's instructions.
Contact: Nicole Hinojosa, [email protected]
