FTC seeks comments regarding technology platform censorship

On 20 February the U.S Federal Trade Commission announced an inquiry to the public on how consumers have been harmed by technology platforms through demonetization or bans from services.

Any U.S citizen may provide examples of potential adverse actions taken not only by social media platforms but by video sharing, photo sharing, ride sharing, event planning, internal or external communications, or other internet services.

Big Tech Practices according to Ferguson

The inquiry against Big Tech is expected as FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson has demonstrated a firm belief that tech firms tend to limit free speech by labelling it as misinformation. Ferguson has also stated that the concentrated refusal of advertisers to deal with X is an advertisers’ boycott, facilitated by the World Federation of Advertisers’ Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), poses another danger to free speech.

What’s next?

The inquiry will be open until 21 May, 2025. Any legal actions that follow could reshape content moderation policies on major technology platforms.