Federal Judge Puts Constraints on Biden Administration’s Social Media Messaging
A federal judge in Louisiana issues ruling restricting Biden administration’s social media communications
A significant ruling has been handed down by a federal judge in Louisiana, imposing restrictions on certain branches of the Biden administration from engaging with social media platforms on matters of content moderation.
The court order specifically targets Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
Judge Terry A. Doughty of the US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana has barred agencies such as the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services from flagging or discussing social media posts and accounts. However, exceptions are permitted for cases involving national security threats and criminal activity.
The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general from Louisiana and Missouri. They allege that government officials have been colluding with social media platforms to suppress conservative voices and perspectives. The lawsuit cited posts related to the COVID pandemic and Hunter Biden’s laptop as evidence.
In their court filings, the attorneys general accuse the government of violating the First Amendment, characterizing it as the most severe breach in the nation’s history.
A spokesperson from the White House has commented on the ruling, stating, “The Justice Department is reviewing the court’s injunction and will assess available options. Our administration has always aimed to protect public health, safety, and security, particularly during challenging times like the COVID pandemic and foreign attacks on our elections. We believe social media platforms have a responsibility to consider the impact of their platforms on the American people while making independent choices about the information they present.”
Judge Doughty’s injunction acknowledges substantial evidence presented by Louisiana and Missouri, indicating a coordinated effort by defendants, ranging from the White House to federal agencies, to suppress speech based on its content. It’s important to note that this injunction represents a significant development but does not serve as a final ruling on the matter.
Following the ruling, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has declined to comment. Meanwhile, Twitter offered an intriguing response with an automated poop emoji. Google has not yet responded to the court’s decision.
