The Dark Side of Deregulating Online Platforms: How It Threatens Free Speech

Following his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship." He criticized the previous administration for allegedly impeding free speech online by managing misinformation through removals and labels. While courts upheld the federal government’s regulatory actions in 2024, rising deregulation trends, especially after Elon Musk's acquisition of X, signal a shift. However, effective content moderation is essential for promoting genuine free speech within democracy.