A federal appeals court has limited the scope of a district court ruling that aimed to restrict communications between government agencies and social media companies. However, it also found that certain agencies likely violated the First Amendment. The ruling eases the ability for federal agencies to engage with platforms like Meta, Google, and X, while cautioning them against coercive actions. The original case, initiated by Missouri and Louisiana attorneys general, alleged undue pressure on social media firms by federal officials to curtail speech related to COVID-19 and elections.
The appeals court narrowed the injunction’s reach, exempting specific agencies, while acknowledging potential First Amendment violations by the White House and other offices. The decision modifies the injunction to crack down solely on illegal conduct and provide clearer guidelines. The agencies found to have likely violated the First Amendment will still be subject to a limited version of the order. The White House, Surgeon General’s office, FBI, and CDC have yet to comment on the ruling.