Social Media Icons On Mobile Phone. Source: TFP File Photo A legal showdown over Florida's controversial 2021 social media law is set for trial ne
A legal showdown over Florida’s controversial 2021 social media law is set for trial next year. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle scheduled to start June 16, 2025.
The law, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled legislature, sought to restrict social media platforms’ ability to moderate content, particularly from political figures. The law was spurred by the de-platforming of former President Donald Trump following the January 6th Capitol riot.
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Key provisions of the law prohibited platforms from banning political candidates, required them to publish and consistently apply content moderation standards, and imposed hefty fines for violations.
Industry groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association filed a lawsuit challenging the law’s constitutionality. Judge Hinkle initially blocked the law in 2021, a decision largely upheld by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022.
However, in July, the Supreme Court vacated the appeals court ruling, demanding further consideration of the “facial nature” of the constitutional challenges. Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the 11th Circuit sent the case back to Judge Hinkle for a full trial.
The upcoming trial will focus on the complex legal issues surrounding the law and its potential impact on free speech and the operation of social media platforms.
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