In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14149, titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship.” This directive prohibits federal agencies from collaborating with any organization, business, or individual to censor or limit lawful speech by American citizens. The order also mandates an investigation into past federal activities related to free speech, aiming to identify and rectify any infringements. (en.wikipedia.org)
Concurrently, Meta Platforms announced significant changes to its content moderation policies. The company discontinued its internal fact-checking program, replacing it with a “Community Notes” system that allows users to add context to posts through collective agreement. Additionally, Meta relaxed certain moderation practices, focusing more on severe and illegal content. This includes adjustments to policies on “Hateful Content,” permitting discussions that were previously restricted. (en.wikipedia.org)
These policy shifts have elicited varied responses. Advocacy groups like GLAAD have criticized the changes, expressing concerns that they may endanger the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals. GLAAD’s annual Social Media Safety Index assigned failing scores to major platforms, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, citing increased online hate speech and misinformation. (apnews.com)
In the legal arena, the Supreme Court addressed state-level social media laws. In July 2024, the Court declined to settle constitutional questions regarding laws in Texas and Florida designed to protect conservative viewpoints on social media. This decision leaves the laws blocked while lower courts continue to deliberate on the constitutional issues involved. (edition.cnn.com)
Internationally, similar debates are unfolding. In the Dominican Republic, a proposed bill aims to regulate freedom of expression by establishing an independent body to monitor content on social media and digital news platforms. While some journalists support the bill for upholding freedom of expression without prior censorship, critics argue it could lead to government overreach and censorship. (apnews.com)
These developments highlight the complexities of balancing free speech with content moderation on social media platforms. The implementation of Executive Order 14149 and Meta’s policy changes are expected to evolve over time, with ongoing oversight and adjustments as necessary.
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Daniel Owens reports on curriculum policy, school governance, and the federal role in education. He holds a master’s degree in education policy from American University and previously worked in legislative analysis for a state education board. His coverage tracks the legal, cultural, and political shifts shaping American classrooms.