conspiring or colluding to restrict free speech is illegal under U.S. law. This includes any agreement among businesses or organizations to limit their content or influence public discourse. It also applies to using economic means such as withholding advertising to achieve this goal. In addition, engaging in unfair competition practices that harm consumers is prohibited by antitrust laws.
There are several federal statutes that may be implicated if owners of companies and NGOs conspired to restrict free speech through withholding advertising revenue:
The Sherman Antitrust Act - This law prohibits agreements that restrain trade or commerce, including those that prevent competitors from doing business with each other. Conspiring to suppress information or ideas could fall within its scope.
The Clayton Antitrust Act - This law specifically addresses mergers and acquisitions that substantially lessen competition or create a monopoly. Using market power to silence dissent could constitute unlawful conduct.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act - This law bans “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” in interstate commerce.
Engaging in deception or coercion to stifle speech might qualify.
The First Amendment - While the government cannot regulate private speech, it can take action when commercial entities use their resources to restrict others’ rights. Courts have recognized that freedom of expression is essential to democracy and a vibrant society.
He can hire a team of investigators and have a civil suit against the colluding owners, George Soros, his sons. And media matters
15 U.S.C. §§ 1-7 - Sherman Antitrust Act: While primarily focused on antitrust violations, this act could be relevant if the restriction of free speech is part of an attempt to monopolize or restrain trade.
18 U.S.C. § 241 - Conspiracy Against Rights: This statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him/her by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his/her having exercised the same. This could include the right to free speech under certain circumstances.
18 U.S.C. § 242 - Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law: This statute makes it a crime for any person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom to willfully deprive or cause to be deprived from any person the rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States. This could encompass free speech rights in specific situations.
18 U.S.C. § 371 - Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud United States: This law could apply if the conspiracy to restrict free speech involves a plan to defraud the United States or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose.
42 U.S.C. § 1985 - Conspiracy to Interfere with Civil Rights: Also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, this law provides for civil and criminal liability for conspiracies to interfere with civil rights, including conspiring to prevent officers from performing their duties, obstructing justice, or denying equal protection of the laws.
47 U.S.C. § 230 - Protection for Private Blocking and Screening of Offensive Material: This part of the Communications Decency Act provides immunity to providers and users of an "interactive computer service" who publish information provided by others. However, it does not allow for actions that are inconsistent with antitrust laws or violate federal criminal statutes, which could include conspiracies to restrict free speech under certain circumstances.
LiberalsAreMental 7 points 5 months ago
Cite the laws correctly, or STFU.
15 U.S.C. §§ 1-7 - Sherman Antitrust Act: While primarily focused on antitrust violations, this act could be relevant if the restriction of free speech is part of an attempt to monopolize or restrain trade.
18 U.S.C. § 241 - Conspiracy Against Rights: This statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him/her by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his/her having exercised the same. This could include the right to free speech under certain circumstances.
18 U.S.C. § 242 - Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law: This statute makes it a crime for any person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom to willfully deprive or cause to be deprived from any person the rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States. This could encompass free speech rights in specific situations.
18 U.S.C. § 371 - Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud United States: This law could apply if the conspiracy to restrict free speech involves a plan to defraud the United States or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose.
42 U.S.C. § 1985 - Conspiracy to Interfere with Civil Rights: Also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, this law provides for civil and criminal liability for conspiracies to interfere with civil rights, including conspiring to prevent officers from performing their duties, obstructing justice, or denying equal protection of the laws.
47 U.S.C. § 230 - Protection for Private Blocking and Screening of Offensive Material: This part of the Communications Decency Act provides immunity to providers and users of an "interactive computer service" who publish information provided by others. However, it does not allow for actions that are inconsistent with antitrust laws or violate federal criminal statutes, which could include conspiracies to restrict free speech under certain circumstances.