SCOTUS Agrees to Hear NetChoice, CCIA Challenges to Fla, Texas Social Media Laws
The U.S. Supreme Court granted the cert petitions of NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association challenging the constitutionality of the Florida (docket 22-227) and Texas (docket 22-555) social media laws on First Amendment grounds, said the court’s order list Friday. NetChoice and CCIA argue that the Florida and Texas statutes are unconstitutional under the First Amendment, plus they violate the commerce clause, the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th Amendment, and are preempted by Section 230.
It’s “high time” that the Supreme Court “resolves whether governments can force websites to publish dangerous content,” said CCIA President Matt Schruers in a statement. The internet “is a vital platform for free expression, and it must remain free from government censorship,” said Litigation Director Chris Marchese, “We are confident the Court will agree.” The Republican attorneys general of Florida and Texas didn’t immediately comment.