Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into advertising firms accused of using boycotts to pressure social media platforms like X into censoring content. Paxton’s investigation targets the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), which he believes may have violated Texas’s antitrust laws through coordinated efforts to suppress conservative speech.
The investigation is focused on whether WFA and GARM have used their influence over global advertising revenue to push platforms to adopt censorship practices. WFA controls 90% of global advertising spending, and GARM has used this power to pressure advertisers into avoiding platforms that promote free speech, such as X and Spotify. After Elon Musk acquired X and vowed to foster a pro-free speech environment, GARM reportedly pushed for advertisers to withdraw their support from the platform.
Paxton’s office is also investigating whether the Biden administration’s failure to act on these issues allowed these practices to continue unchecked. Paxton criticized the lack of enforcement against these corporations, calling it “un-American” that they have not faced legal consequences for their alleged actions. His investigation seeks to ensure that these firms are held accountable for any attempts to manipulate content policies to serve their political interests.
The investigation comes after X and Rumble filed lawsuits against GARM for its role in these censorship efforts. Paxton’s office has issued document requests and is working to uncover the full scope of these coordinated efforts to control online content.
The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for how platforms manage content and advertising. Paxton’s actions signal a broader pushback against the influence of large corporations in shaping public discourse, and the case could become a significant moment in the ongoing debate over free speech and censorship in the digital age.
