Justice Department Appeals Judge’s Order on Communication with Social Media Companies
The United States Department of Justice is appealing a judge’s order that prohibits various Biden administration agencies and officials from communicating with social media companies about certain content. The preliminary injunction, issued on Tuesday by US District Judge Terry Doughty, restricts federal agencies and more than a dozen top officials from discussing “content containing protected free speech” that is posted on social media platforms. The order applies to agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Justice Department, and the FBI, as well as officials including US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
While the injunction allows for government communication with social media companies to address illegal activity and national security threats, it specifically prohibits the agencies and officials from flagging or forwarding content that contains protected free speech. The order also names several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, and WeChat.
The judge’s order is part of a lawsuit brought by Republican attorneys general from Missouri and Louisiana in 2022. The lawsuit accuses the Biden administration of silencing conservatives by pressuring social media companies to remove online misinformation about Covid-19. The appeal by the Justice Department will be heard by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which is known for its conservative leanings.
Following the order, a White House official defended the administration’s communication with social media companies, stating that it has promoted responsible actions to protect public health, safety, and security in the face of challenges. The official emphasized that social media platforms have a critical responsibility to consider the impact of their platforms on the American people and make independent choices about the information they present.
The appeal by the Justice Department highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the role of social media companies in moderating content. While some argue that these platforms should have the freedom to regulate harmful or misleading information, others believe that such actions infringe on the right to free speech. As the case moves forward, the decision of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals will have significant implications for the relationship between government agencies, social media companies, and the protection of free speech online.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-06 01:51:00