Supreme Court to hear case on social media censorship

By 
 October 6, 2023

American conservatives have long been resigned to the fact that they are targeted for censorship by big tech companies.

However, a recent announcement from America's highest judicial body just gave them a level of hope that would once seemed unthinkable.

Case concerns laws passed in Florida and Texas on social media companies

According to the New York Post, the Supreme Court revealed on September 29 that it will hear a case concerning laws passed in Florida and Texas to limit the power of social media companies to censor people for their political beliefs.

Those laws are being challenged by NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) along with the parent companies of Google and Facebook.

Lower court judges have thus far been divided over the constitutionality of such laws, with part of Florida's legislation being struck down Texas' bill has been upheld.

Matt Schruers serves as president of CCIA, and he was quoted as saying, "It is high time that the Supreme Court resolves whether governments can force websites to publish dangerous content."

"Telling private websites they must give equal treatment to extremist hate isn’t just unwise, it is unconstitutional, and we look forward to demonstrating that to the court," he added.

Former New York lieutenant governor notes that phone companies can't discriminate

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's decision to take the case came as a welcome development for New York Post columnist Betsy McCaughey.

McCaughey, who formerly served as New York's Republican lieutenant governor, celebrated the move in an article published this past Tuesday.

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

"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," she continued before adding, "The law forbids it."

Justice Clarence Thomas has signaled support for fight against online censorship

She then went on to recall how Justice Clarence Thomas has suggested in previous cases that similar constraints could be applied to social media platforms.

"Expect Thomas to lead a majority of the justices to conclude that Internet censorship is inconsistent with democracy and must be stopped," the former official predicted.

"Big Tech censorship affects far more people than when colleges silence dissent or even when workplaces and schools indoctrinate," she argued.

" A free people [claim] their rights, as derived from the laws of nature."
Thomas Jefferson
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