The FTC Risks Chilling Speech With Its Advertising Boycott Investigation
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) opened an investigation into Media Matters for America, a progressive nonprofit dedicated to “monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media,” for its role in an advertising boycott of X in May. On Monday, the FTC expanded the investigation to major advertisers, including Omnicron Group and the Interpublic Group, both of which are founding members of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA). The FTC’s investigation follows not only Elon Musk’s intimate involvement with the Trump administration but also lawsuits filed by X Corp. against Media Matters and the WFA.
In November 2023, X Corp. filed a lawsuit against Media Matters in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas accusing the nonprofit of making false and malicious statements disparaging the quality of X, which led to the subsequent loss of advertising contracts. In its complaint, X Corp. accuses Media Matters of publicly smearing the company by “knowingly and maliciously manufactur[ing] side-by-side images [of] advertisers’ posts…beside Neo-Nazi and white-nationalist fringe content.” X Corp. cites “99% of [its] measured ad placement in 2023 [appearing] adjacent to content scor
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
