TPA Applauds Florida Court Decision Halting Anti-Tech Law

For Immediate Release        

Contact: Courtney Mattison (202) 525-7492‬

July 2, 2021 

TPA Applauds Florida Court Decision Halting Anti-Tech Law

Washington, D.C. – The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is encouraged by a Florida judge’s decision to halt the state’s social media bill from taking effect. The decision confirms what we already knew about the bill – that it inhibits the First Amendment rights of private companies across the state.

In response, TPA President David Williams gave the following statement:

“The First Amendment gives individuals and private organizations the freedom to say what they like and associate with whomever they choose. These precious freedoms were violated by Florida’s recently passed social media bill. We are encouraged that the judicial system worked as it should in preventing this unconstitutional legislation from taking effect.

“The Florida bill would have forced social media companies to host any and all speech. This echoes the ‘Fairness Doctrine’ of years past and resembles the arguments made by advocates of heavy-handed ‘net neutrality’ regulations. Any legislation that allows government greater control over speech will eventually be weaponized against the American people.

“This bill also contains arbitrary exemptions, including for any company that owns a theme park. These clear carveouts for certain companies reflects just how unserious this legislation is and was. We are thankful that the Florida court system protected Florida residents from the consequences. We hope they will continue to do so in litigation going forward.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.