Graybeard
Well-Known Member
U.S. appeals court rejects big tech's right to regulate online speechSept 16 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Friday upheld a Texas law that bars large social media companies from banning or censoring users based on "viewpoint," a setback for technology industry groups that say the measure would turn platforms into bastions of dangerous content.
The 3-0 ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in New Orleans, sets up the potential for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the law, which conservatives and right-wing commentators have said is necessary to prevent "Big Tech" from suppressing their views.
In the United States, freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. This right allows Americans to express their opinions and beliefs without fear of retribution from the government. However, there are some limits to free speech, such as when it incites violence or is considered hate speech.
The state of Texas is currently facing a free speech issue with regard to the treatment of the phrases "God Bless America" and "Death to America." A private business in the state is being compelled by the state to treat these two viewpoints the same, even though they are clearly not equivalent.
The phrase "God Bless America" is a patriotic expression that is typically used to show support for the country. It is not a call for violence or hatred. On the other hand, "Death to America" is a phrase that is often used by America's enemies as a rallying cry for violence and hatred against the United States.
The state of Texas should not be compelling a private business to treat these two phrases the same.
Commercial free speech is a term that is used to describe the right of businesses and other organizations to advertise and promote their products and services without government interference. This right is enshrined in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The term "commercial free speech" is often used interchangeably with "corporate speech," "advertising speech," or "trade speech." However, there is a distinction between commercial speech and other types of speech. Commercial speech is primarily concerned with the sale or promotion of a product or service, while other types of speech may be more concerned with expressing ideas or opinions.
How about hate speech, racist speech, insurrectionist speech, Nazis on the Internet speech?
- Commercial speech is primarily concerned with the sale or promotion of a product or service,
- while other types of speech may be more concerned with expressing ideas or opinions.
Hate to see something like this to become necessary but the SCOTUS will either decline to rule or will rule to uphold the US Appeals Court.