A trade organisation representing internet companies, NetChoice, testified against the bill, arguing that private entities should have the freedom to decide how to best serve their users – a position that Republicans have long used to combat regulation efforts.
“The First Amendment makes clear that government may not regulate the speech of private individuals or businesses. This includes government action that compels speech by forcing a private social media platform to carry content that is against its policies or preferences,” the group’s president, Steve DelBianco, said during his testimony.