Social media bill

Tech groups sue DeSantis over social media bill

By MATT DIXON 

Two technology groups on Thursday filed a lawsuit in Tallahassee federal court challenging a controversial bill that Gov. Ron DeSantis said is aimed at cracking down on social media censorship — but opponents argue is an unconstitutional infringement on free speech.

Details: NetChoice and the Computer and Communications Industry Association filed suit against Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and several other state officials over the anti-Big Tech bill, which DeSantis signed into law on Monday. It was among the most contentious measures of the recently-concluded legislative session.

“Americans everywhere should oppose Florida’s attempt to run roughshod over the First Amendment rights of private online businesses,” said Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel of NetChoice. “By weakening the First Amendment rights of some, Florida weakens the First Amendment rights of all.”

The bill requires social media companies to post concrete criteria they use to deplatform users, and allows the Florida Elections Commission to fine social media companies up to $250,000 for banning political candidates, among other things.

DeSantis prioritized the bill, lamenting what he saw as social media companies like Twitter and Facebook targeted conservatives such as former President Donald Trump, who was removed from several social media platforms. Democrats fought the measure, which they argued was not only unconstitutional but driven by tech companies deplatforming Trump.

“The Act is a frontal assault on the First Amendment and an extraordinary intervention by government in the free marketplace of ideas that would be unthinkable for traditional media, book sellers, lending libraries or newsstands,” the lawsuit states.

The response: It was widely anticipated, including by DeSantis, that the new law would be challenged in court. In an interview with Spectator, DeSantis predicted the bill would “absolutely be challenged.”

“Constitutional protections are not a one-way street,” said DeSantis’ press secretary Christina Pushaw on Thursday. “On the contrary, there is a delicate balance in ensuring that citizens and businesses alike are protected against government overreach, but also, that all consumers are protected against abusive, discriminatory, and/or deceptive business practices.”