The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into the content moderation practices of online platforms, including social media companies like Meta and ride-sharing firms such as Uber.

The examination will assess whether these practices may amount to “censorship.”

FTC Chair, Andrew Ferguson, launched the inquiry, seeking public comments on how moderation policies impact free expression.

This follows Republican concerns that conservative viewpoints face suppression, with past bans on figures like Donald Trump fueling debate.

Ferguson prioritizes addressing online “censorship,” but legal precedents protect platforms’ rights under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

Recent Meta developments