Staff Reports
George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley didn’t hold back when criticizing the Supreme Court’s decision to reject a challenge against the Biden administration’s censorship of online speech. The high court’s 6-3 ruling, with Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch in dissent, deemed that the challengers lacked standing to contest the government’s control over online discourse.
Turley lambasted the court for what he deemed a “too narrow” stance on the issue, arguing that such cases touch upon fundamental rights that should not be dismissed based on technicalities. He highlighted the growing concern within the free speech community about the increasing censorship under the Biden administration, labeling it as Orwellian and indicative of a troubling trend towards stifling dissent.
'Too Narrow': Jonathan Turley Rips Supreme Court For Ducking 'Fundamental Issue' In Censorship Case pic.twitter.com/WzIJEJ9rFC
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 26, 2024
The decision in question stemmed from an injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, which barred Biden administration officials from pressuring social media platforms to curb speech protected by the First Amendment. Doughty’s list of instances where such censorship occurred further underscored the troubling pattern of government overreach into online expression.
Turley pointed out the insidious nature of government-backed censorship through third parties, noting that such actions circumvent the direct prohibitions imposed by the First Amendment. He expressed disappointment at the lack of a definitive ruling that could bolster free speech protections, leaving many in the free speech advocacy realm frustrated with the status quo.
The targeting of individuals like Tucker Carlson for expressing views contrary to the administration’s narrative only serves to heighten concerns about the erosion of free speech rights in the digital sphere. Turley’s vocal criticism of governmental censorship tactics underscores the urgent need to safeguard this cornerstone of American democracy against encroachments from those in power.
