Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced an investigation into the actions of advertising firms accused of pressuring social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to censor certain speech, particularly from conservative voices. Paxton is specifically targeting the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), which have been linked to efforts to manipulate platforms through financial pressure and boycotts.
The investigation stems from concerns that these advertising giants are using their immense control over the global advertising market to silence content they deem undesirable. WFA controls around 90% of global ad spending, giving it significant leverage over online platforms. Paxton’s office is examining whether the actions of WFA and GARM constitute violations of Texas’s antitrust laws, which are designed to prevent anti-competitive behavior and protect free market principles.
A key focus of the investigation is the role GARM played in pressuring platforms like X after Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform. Musk’s commitment to creating a free-speech-friendly environment reportedly triggered GARM’s campaign to pull advertisements from X. Additionally, GARM attempted to redirect advertising revenue away from Spotify to influence its decision to cancel Joe Rogan’s podcast, according to a report from the House Judiciary Committee.
In his statement, Paxton criticized the lack of action by the Biden administration and accused the Department of Justice of failing to enforce antitrust laws against these powerful organizations. He called the failure to address this issue “un-American,” emphasizing that such corporate influence over online content is a threat to free speech.
This investigation follows lawsuits filed by X and Rumble against GARM, which has been accused of using its market power to limit free expression online. Paxton’s office has begun issuing subpoenas for documents related to the alleged censorship campaigns, signaling a more aggressive approach to holding these organizations accountable.
As the investigation unfolds, it could have far-reaching implications for the regulation of online content and the power of corporate entities to influence what users can say and hear on social media platforms. Paxton’s actions represent a significant step toward ensuring that free speech remains protected in the digital age.
