The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a public inquiry to investigate how technology platforms deny or degrade users’ access to services based on their speech or affiliations. This inquiry aims to determine if these actions may have violated the law and harmed consumers.
Tech firms can use confusing internal procedures that cut off users without appeal, which can affect competition and potentially stifle innovation. The FTC is seeking public comments from users who have been banned, shadow-banned, demonetized, or censored on platforms like social media and messaging apps.
According to FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson, “Tech firms should not be bullying their users.” The agency wants to understand how consumers may have been harmed by technology platforms that limit free speech and affiliations.
The public has until May 21, 2025, to submit a comment through Regulations.gov or file a private report with the FTC’s consumer protection division. The FTC promotes competition and protects consumers, but warns against scams and fraudulent practices.
Source: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/02/federal-trade-commission-launches-inquiry-tech-censorship