WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in Murthy v. Missouri, a case reviewing government interactions with social media platforms on content moderation. The Court did not rule on the merits of the case and instead found that the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the case.
NetChoice sees today’s decision as an important reminder of Americans’ First Amendment rights online, as we await decisions from the Court in our own lawsuits against Texas and Florida, NetChoice & CCIA v. Paxton and Moody v. NetChoice & CCIA.
“The Court’s decision in Murthy underscores the importance of protecting online services’ First Amendment right to editorial judgment,” said Carl Szabo, NetChoice Vice President and General Counsel. “We are pleased the majority opinion recognized that platforms have ‘independent incentives to moderate content’ separate from government influence.”
Szabo continued: “Justice Alito’s dissent additionally provides an important warning to Americans about the dangers of government controlling online speech. It reinforces why NetChoice is dedicated to fighting to ensure the First Amendment rights of Americans and our businesses are protected from government overreach.”
Moving forward, NetChoice encourages policymakers to respect online services’ First Amendment right to moderate content on their websites and urges Congress to pass legislation, like the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act.
Protecting free speech in America shouldn’t be a partisan issue.
Please contact Krista Chavez at press@netchoice.org with inquiries.