Media Matters Sues FTC to Block Probe on Musk's X Boycott

Media Matters for America has filed a lawsuit to block a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into whether it coordinated advertiser boycotts against Elon Musk's social media platform, X, alleging the probe is retaliatory and violates its First Amendment rights. The FTC issued a civil investigative demand seeking communications between Media Matters and other watchdog groups, as well as documents related to lawsuits involving X, which accuses Media Matters of defamation for reporting that major brands' ads appeared alongside extremist content on the platform. Media Matters denies any coordination of boycotts and argues the investigation has already chilled its ability to report on political extremism and Musk's platform. The legal conflict stems from a 2023 report by Media Matters exposing ad placements next to hateful content, which led to advertiser pullbacks and subsequent lawsuits filed by X in multiple countries, which Media Matters describes as "libel tourism" aimed at silencing critics. This case raises broader issues about press freedom, the power of tech platforms, and regulatory oversight of media watchdogs, with potential implications for free speech online. The FTC currently lacks Democratic commissioners after President Trump fired them, further fueling claims of political motivation behind the probe.