Washington – A federal judge in Florida is holding arguments Monday on motions to partially block Florida’s internet “must carry” law that passed in 2021, but was stopped from taking effect by the Supreme Court due to likely First Amendment violations. The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice challenged Florida SB7072 because the First Amendment protects the right to speak without government interference – and the right not to be forced to speak or display material as the state directs.
On Monday, June 8, Judge Hinkle will hear a motion for summary judgment, and the plaintiffs will present arguments that the law will ultimately fail a legal challenge on First Amendment grounds.
The Supreme Court sent the case back to the district court after barring the law from enforcement while the legal challenge worked its way through the courts. The Justices confirmed that editorial decisions about online speech deserve First Amendment protection from government interference.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Matt Schruers:
“This law tries to force websites to speak as the state commands, which strikes at the heart of free discourse and democracy. We plan to demonstrate in court why this law must be permanently struck down.”
