Particle.news
Download on the App Store
12 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

FTC Launches Public Inquiry Into Alleged Big Tech Censorship

The Federal Trade Commission is investigating claims that tech platforms' content moderation practices may be illegal and anti-competitive.

A view of signage at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
The Federal Trade Commission is launching an investigation into "un-American" big tech censorship, soliciting feedback from the American about how their speech has been stifled by America's most dominant tech companies.
Image
The headquarters of the US Federal Trade Commission in Washington. The FTC says it wants to hear from the public so it can "better understand how technology platforms deny or degrade users’ access to services based on the content of their speech or affiliations, and how this conduct may have violated the law." (AFP photo via Getty Images/Roberto Schmidt)

Overview

  • FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced the inquiry, inviting public submissions from users who have experienced bans, shadow bans, or demonetization by tech platforms.
  • The agency is examining whether content moderation policies harm consumers, suppress competition, or violate federal laws, such as antitrust regulations.
  • Public comments will be accepted until May 21, 2025, with submissions allowed to remain anonymous if preferred.
  • The investigation follows broader efforts by the Trump administration to address perceived censorship of conservative viewpoints and restore free speech online.
  • Critics argue the inquiry may conflict with First Amendment protections for private companies, while proponents see it as a necessary step to curb Big Tech's influence over public discourse.