Attorney General Ashley Moody is at the Supreme Court of the United States today, defending Florida's stance against Big Tech censorship. The ongoing legal battle stems from SB 7072, a law aimed at preventing social media companies from engaging in unfair censorship practices and deplatforming political candidates or journalistic entities.
Moody emphasized the importance of the case, stating, "We are fighting in the U.S. Supreme Court for Floridians to debate ideas, engage in political discourse, and question government policies on social media platforms. This fight is vital to our democratic process and necessary for the prosperity of a free society."
The bill in question, SB 7072, not only prohibits the deplatforming of Florida political candidates but also mandates transparency from social media companies regarding their content moderation practices. It further allows users to challenge unfair treatment and provides a legal pathway for the state to take action against Big Tech if they fail to comply with the law.
In a brief filed in December 2021, Moody's office argued that the Florida law was designed to protect citizens' speech amid concerns of arbitrary censorship by tech giants. The law insists on platforms publishing their rules in advance, applying them consistently, and notifying users of any breaches. It also requires platforms to host content from journalists and political candidates to safeguard the free flow of information and ideas.
The legal battle began when Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 7072 into law in May 2021, prompting immediate opposition from Big Tech industry groups. Despite initial legal challenges and a preliminary injunction, Attorney General Moody persisted in defending the law through the court system, leading to today's oral arguments at the Supreme Court.
As the case unfolds, platforms' claims of being neutral forums of speech are being questioned. Moody's office highlighted past statements from Facebook and Twitter, emphasizing their previous commitments to free speech. The evolving stance of these platforms, now advocating for extensive censorship authority, underscores the complexity of the ongoing debate over online freedom of expression.
The outcome of the Supreme Court hearing will have significant implications for the regulation of Big Tech and the protection of free speech rights on digital platforms. Attorney General Moody's unwavering commitment to defending Floridians against Big Tech censorship showcases the state's dedication to upholding democratic values in the digital age.