A legal battle over a controversial Florida law regulating social media platforms is heating up again. Industry groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association have filed an amended lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the 2021 law.
The law, passed after major social media platforms blocked certain individuals from their sites, imposes restrictions on how these companies moderate content and handle user accounts.
It prohibits platforms from banning political candidates and requires them to publish and consistently apply standards for user bans and content moderation.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis-Aligned Committees Raise Over $1 Million In 3 Days, Totaling $31.36 Million
This renewed legal challenge comes after the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a previous appeals court ruling that largely upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the law. The Supreme Court instructed the lower courts to reconsider the case, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the “facial nature” of the challenges to determine if the law violates the First Amendment.
In their amended lawsuit, the industry groups argue that social media platforms have a First Amendment right to curate content and moderate user accounts. They contend that the Florida law attempts to “control the expression of ideas” by dictating how these platforms operate.
READ: Internet Industry Groups Sue Florida Over Law Restricting Children’s Social Media Access
The lawsuit highlights the tension between government regulation and free speech in the digital age. With a hearing scheduled for July 2025, the case is likely to continue generating debate about the appropriate role of government in overseeing social media platforms.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.