Archive · 4 Nov 2025
New York Seeks Dismissal of X Lawsuit Over Hate Speech Disclosure Law
Imagine a new rule in New York that says social media websites like X (which used to be Twitter) have to tell people how they try to stop bad stuff like hate speech, bullying, and lies.
X doesn't like this rule and is suing New York, saying it's unfair and could get them in trouble.
They think they shouldn't have to share all their secret plans for managing what people post.
But New York says this rule is important so that people know what they are getting into when they use these websites.
New York's lawyer is telling a judge that the rule is good and X's lawsuit should be thrown out.
X also pointed to a similar rule in California that got blocked by a court, but New York says that court made a mistake.
New York State has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk's company, X, challenging a state law on hate speech disclosure.
The law, called the Stop Hiding Hate Act, requires social media companies with over $100 million in annual revenue to disclose their content moderation policies.
X argues the law is unconstitutional, fearing lawsuits and fines for disclosing sensitive content moderation practices, citing a blocked California law as precedent.
New York's Attorney General stated the law empowers consumers with informed choices and that X's argument misinterprets commercial speech.
The law, if violated, can impose civil fines of up to $15,000 per day per violation.
- Who
- New York's Attorney General Letitia James (on behalf of the state) and X Corp. (owned by Elon Musk)
- What
- New York is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by X, which seeks to void a state law requiring social media companies to disclose how they monitor hate speech and other harmful content.
- When
- Monday (regarding the dismissal request); Law signed in December; X filed lawsuit seeking to void the law.
- Where
- Manhattan federal court (Southern District of New York)
- Why
- New York argues the law helps consumers make informed choices about social media and that X's lawsuit is based on an erroneous premise regarding commercial speech. X argues the law is unconstitutional and exposes them to liability.
X Corp. (Elon Musk)
New York State
Constitutionality of Disclosure Requirements
X Corp. (Elon Musk)
The law is unconstitutional because it forces disclosure of 'highly sensitive and controversial speech' and exposes the company to lawsuits and significant fines, potentially infringing on free speech principles.
New York State
The law furthers legitimate state interests by empowering consumers to make informed choices about social media use and requiring disclosure of content moderation policies is a valid regulatory measure.
Basis for Legal Challenge
X Corp. (Elon Musk)
Cites a federal appeals court decision that partially blocked a similar California law on free speech grounds.
New York State
Argues the California case relied on an 'erroneous premise' that has been rejected by the federal appeals court governing New York cases, asserting its position is legally sound.
Purpose of the Law
X Corp. (Elon Musk)
Views the law as an unconstitutional overreach that unfairly burdens social media platforms with disclosure requirements for potentially objectionable content.
New York State
Frames the law as a tool to inform consumers about how platforms handle hate speech, extremism, and disinformation, thereby promoting transparency and informed user decisions.
- Law in Question
- Stop Hiding Hate Act
- Plaintiff
- X Corp. (formerly Twitter)
- Defendant
- New York Attorney General Letitia James
- Court
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- Key Argument (X)
- Law unconstitutionally exposes company to lawsuits and fines for disclosing 'highly sensitive and controversial speech'
- Key Argument (NY)
- Law empowers consumers with informed choices about social media use
- Potential Fines
- $15,000 per violation per day