Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a formal investigation into a conspiracy involving advertising firms accused of pressuring platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to censor certain speech. Paxton’s investigation is focused on the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and its affiliate, the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), which he believes may have violated Texas antitrust laws by attempting to manipulate platforms’ content policies.
Paxton’s office is specifically looking into whether these firms used their control over advertising revenue to force platforms to censor content, particularly conservative speech. WFA is believed to control 90% of global ad spending, and GARM has used this market power to push advertisers to boycott platforms that allow free speech, such as X and Spotify. Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of X, GARM reportedly pressured advertisers to pull their support from the platform due to Musk’s pledge to make it more pro-free speech. GARM also targeted Spotify, attempting to redirect ad revenue to force the removal of popular podcaster Joe Rogan.
In a statement, Paxton criticized the Biden administration for not taking action against these corporations, which he described as “un-American.” He expressed concern that these efforts to censor speech were being allowed to continue without enforcement of antitrust laws. Paxton’s investigation aims to determine whether WFA and GARM violated the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983, which prohibits companies from engaging in anti-competitive practices.
The investigation is part of an ongoing effort to protect free speech online, as many conservatives believe their voices are being silenced by powerful corporations. Paxton’s office has already begun issuing document requests related to these activities and is committed to holding WFA and GARM accountable for their actions.
This move could have significant implications for the future of online content regulation and the relationship between advertising firms, social media platforms, and government regulation. As Paxton’s investigation unfolds, it is likely to spark further debates about censorship, free speech, and corporate influence in the digital age.
