Executive order restricting federal censorship and limiting content moderation
January 20, 2025
Multiple Guardrails
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Why Level 3?
Multiple guardrails bypassed: First Amendment, due process, separation of powers. Vague order enables spread of misinformation. Bypasses normal regulatory process for content moderation policy.
What Happened
Context
President Trump signed Executive Order 14149 'Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship' on January 20, 2025, limiting cooperation between federal agencies and companies or individuals to exercise 'censorship' and launching investigations into government activities regarding censorship.
Action Taken
Signed Executive Order 14149 on January 20, 2025 restricting federal censorship and limiting content moderation. Order limited cooperation between federal agencies and companies or individuals to exercise 'viewpoint-based restriction' or censorship. Launched investigations into government activities regarding censorship in recent years. Critics argued the order was vague about what constitutes 'censorship' and enables spread of misinformation. Experts warned the order undermines content moderation and public safety.
In His Own Words
"We must restore freedom of speech and end federal censorship."
"The government should not work with companies to silence Americans."
"We will investigate all instances of federal censorship."
What's Wrong
Executive order restricting content moderation and federal cooperation with platforms without proper regulatory process. Order was vague about what constitutes 'censorship' and enables spread of misinformation. Bypassed normal regulatory review and public comment periods. Experts warned the order undermines content moderation and public safety.
Impact
Constitutional: Questions about First Amendment protections and content moderation. Legal: Multiple lawsuits filed challenging the order. Institutional: Undermines content moderation and public safety mechanisms. Operational: Potential spread of misinformation and harmful content.