Tue Jun 17 19:11:02 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**X Corp Sues New York Over Social Media Content Disclosure Law, Citing Free Speech Concerns**
**Manhattan, NY** – X Corp, owned by Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James, challenging a recently enacted state law requiring social media companies to disclose their policies and practices regarding hate speech, extremism, and other content moderation efforts.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, alleges that the “Stop Hiding Hate Act,” passed in December 2024, violates the First Amendment by forcing companies to reveal “highly sensitive and controversial speech” that, while disfavored by the state, is constitutionally protected. X Corp argues that the government should not dictate what content is acceptable on social media platforms.
The New York law, championed by Governor Kathy Hochul as a measure to increase transparency and accountability, mandates that social media companies clearly explain their terms of service to users and submit reports on these terms to the Attorney General. The law also requires companies to disclose steps they take to eliminate hate on their platforms, and to report their progress. Civil fines could reach $15,000 per violation per day.
X Corp’s complaint highlighted a letter from the law’s sponsors, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Grace Lee, who cited a “disturbing record” of content moderation at X, particularly under Elon Musk’s leadership, which they claim “threatens the foundations of our democracy.” The lawsuit also points to a similar California law that was partially blocked due to free speech concerns and that California settled with X in February not to enforce the disclosure requirements.
This legal challenge is the latest in a series of lawsuits filed by X Corp targeting states over perceived free speech infringements. In April, the company sued Minnesota over a law banning deepfakes intended to harm political candidates or influence elections.
Musk, who describes himself as a “free speech absolutist,” has faced criticism for alleged censorship of political voices he disagrees with. Reports have also accused the platform of fostering hate speech under his ownership.
X Corp is seeking a court order to prevent the enforcement of the New York law. The case raises complex questions about the balance between free speech, content moderation, and government regulation of social media platforms.
First Piper 