The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a public inquiry to examine how technology platforms may limit users' access to services based on their speech or affiliations. This inquiry seeks to determine whether such actions are potentially illegal and harmful to consumers.
The FTC's concern is that tech companies might use unclear or unpredictable procedures to restrict user access, sometimes without offering an appeal process. These practices could harm consumers, affect competition, or arise from anti-competitive behavior.
To gather information, the FTC has issued a Request for Information (RFI), inviting public comments on how technology platforms may have restricted users' ability to share ideas freely. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson stated, "Tech firms should not be bullying their users. This inquiry will help the FTC better understand how these firms may have violated the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for speaking their minds."
Users who have experienced bans, shadow bans, demonetization, or other forms of censorship are encouraged to submit comments in response to the RFI. The FTC aims to learn more about potential consumer harm resulting from tech firms' policies through possibly unfair methods of competition.
Comments can be submitted until May 21, 2025, and will be posted on Regulations.gov. Alternatively, private reports can be filed at ReportFraud.ftc.gov by selecting “Report Now.”
The Federal Trade Commission focuses on promoting competition while protecting and educating consumers. The agency emphasizes that it will never demand money or make threats and encourages individuals to report scams and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
