The Supreme Court Sides with Biden Administration in Social Media Clash with Conservative States
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden administration in a dispute with Republican-led states over the extent of federal authority to address controversial social media posts on issues such as COVID-19 and election security.
By a 6-3 vote, the justices overturned lower-court rulings that had sided with Louisiana, Missouri, and other parties, who argued that Democratic officials pressured social media platforms to unconstitutionally suppress conservative viewpoints.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, stated that the states and other parties lacked the legal standing to sue.
Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas dissented.
This case is one of several before the court this term concerning social media companies and free speech. In February, the court heard arguments regarding Republican-backed laws in Florida and Texas that prohibit large social media companies from removing posts based on their viewpoints. In March, the court outlined standards for when public officials can block their social media followers.
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