Elon Musk’s X Corp. filed a lawsuit against the state of California on Friday, challenging a content moderation law. The law, signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) last year, requires social media companies to publicly disclose their policies on hate speech, disinformation, harassment, and extremism. It also mandates that these companies report data on the enforcement of these policies.
X Corp. argues that the law violates its First Amendment rights, asserting its right to determine what it can and cannot say about controversial topics. The law has faced opposition from tech industry groups and legal experts who have raised concerns about its impact on free speech rights.
In response to criticism, Newsom stated, “California will not stand by as social media is weaponized to spread hate and disinformation that threaten our communities and foundational values as a country.” He emphasized that the law brings transparency and accountability to shape the social media content consumed by Californians every day.
Musk, known for his support of free speech, has loosened content moderation measures on X Corp., previously known as Twitter, since assuming control of the platform last year.
California State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the author of the bill, clarified that Assembly Bill 587 is a transparency measure, aiming to ensure companies disclose their content moderation practices without dictating specific policies. Gabriel argued that if platforms like Twitter have nothing to hide, they should not object to the bill.
— Updated at 8:54 p.m.
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