FTC Launches Investigation into Censorship Practices of Major Tech Companies

February 21, 2025 TruthUSA

The Federal Trade Commission is requesting public feedback regarding bans, shadow banning, and demonetization practices utilized by major tech platforms.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an investigation into whether significant technology platforms have engaged in potentially illegal censorship practices, including restricting users based on their speech content or affiliations. The agency is seeking public input to gain a deeper understanding of how these actions may have harmed consumers or breached competition laws.

“Tech companies should not be intimidating their users,” FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson stated in a statement regarding the inquiry. “This investigation will assist the FTC in comprehending how these firms may have violated the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for exercising their right to free speech.”

The FTC has issued a Request for Information (RFI), inviting the public to submit comments that detail personal experiences with content-based restrictions, such as being banned, demonetized, or “shadow banned.”

The agency is also encouraging current and former employees of tech companies to provide feedback regarding internal policies that govern content moderation, with a deadline for public comments set for May 21.

As per the agency’s announcement, technology platforms frequently employ obscure or unpredictable methods to limit user access, often failing to provide clear justifications or avenues to appeal unfavorable decisions. The FTC has expressed significant concern over whether these limitations stem from anti-competitive behavior or have contravened consumer protection laws.

Commissioner Melissa Holyoak emphasized the inquiry’s significance in a post on X, stating: “Big tech censorship stands as one of the most critical issues confronting our country. This RFI is an essential first step toward safeguarding Americans and reinstating free speech. I eagerly anticipate the public’s contributions.”

The agency’s inquiry encompasses various aspects of content moderation, including whether platforms have penalized users for their off-platform conduct, the consistency of policy application, and the impact of content moderation rule changes on users’ capacity to earn revenue or build an audience.

Ferguson stressed the importance of public involvement in this inquiry, encouraging anyone affected by platform moderation policies to share their experiences.

“The FTC needs your assistance in probing these potential legal violations,” he stated in a social media post. “We are inviting public submissions from anyone who has experienced tech censorship (banning, demonetization, shadow banning, etc.), from employees of tech platforms, or from anyone else who can illuminate these practices and their possible legal ramifications.”

The agency clarified that comments submitted in response to the RFI will be made publicly available. Nevertheless, individuals wishing to submit private complaints can do so through the FTC’s fraud reporting website.

The FTC’s action coincides with a larger national dialogue regarding free speech and the influence of technology companies on moderating online discussions.

The Epoch Times reached out to major tech corporations Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Google/Alphabet, and X for comments on the FTC’s announcement but had not received responses by the time of publication.

Source link