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Jawboning: Weighing Government Influence over Online Platforms’ Censorship Practices

September 10, 2024

Event Summary

On September 10, AEI’s Shane Tews moderated a panel exploring the legal implications of government involvement in free speech. Following a showing of the Federalist Society’s short film JAWBONED: Miss Information vs. Free Speech, the panel unpacked the background of the differences between Murthy v. Missouri and the National Rifle Association v. Vullo and their impact on not only speakers but also intermediaries of content delivery.

The discussion covered Mark Zuckerberg’s recent letter to the House Judiciary Committee, pointing to public confusion about the holding from the Murthy ruling. The panel also explored legislation for transparency to guard against government coercion, and panelists discussed how vague platform policies allow the government to impose further pressure.

—Owen O’Brien-Powers

Event Description

Following the screening of the Federalist Society’s film Jawboned: Miss Information vs. Free Speech, AEI’s Shane Tews will moderate a panel of experts to explore the legal implications of government involvement in free speech issues. The discussion will focus on recent court rulings such as Murthy v. Missouri that address the fine line between government persuasion and coercion in regulating misinformation. The panel will explore how lower courts might interpret these decisions, highlighting the potential long-term impact on free speech and government authority.

Event Materials

Event Transcript