A federal judge in Florida is hearing arguments today that could permanently tank the state’s controversial 2021 social media law.
The legal showdown centers on Florida SB7072, a measure designed to stop tech platforms from banning users or removing content. While the law has been on the books for years, it never actually went into effect.
The U.S. Supreme Court previously stepped in to block enforcement, warning that the rules likely violate the First Amendment, before kicking the case back down to the district court level.
On Monday, June 8, Judge Robert Hinkle is presiding over motions for partial summary judgment. The challenge is being led by two major tech industry groups, NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA).
The plaintiffs are arguing that the law is fundamentally unconstitutional. Under the First Amendment, private companies have the right to choose what speech they host, meaning the government cannot force them to display content against their will. The Supreme Court backed this view during its review, affirming that the editorial decisions made by websites are protected from state interference.
Tech industry leaders argue the law crosses a dangerous line by dictating how private platforms operate.
“This law tries to force websites to speak as the state commands, which strikes at the heart of free discourse and democracy,” said CCIA President and CEO Matt Schruers. “We plan to demonstrate in court why this law must be permanently struck down.”
If the judge grants the summary judgment, it would effectively block key parts of the law from ever taking effect without the need for a full trial.
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