Freedom Watch, Inc. v. Google, Inc.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Tab Group

Merits Stage

D.C. Circuit affirms dismissal of suit alleging political bias by technology companies

May 27, 2020

The D.C. Circuit held that the First Amendment does not apply to privately owned social media outlets and that local D.C. law prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations only covers physical locations. The U.S. Chamber filed a coalition amicus brief supporting this outcome.

U.S. Chamber files coalition amicus brief urging D.C. Circuit to affirm that local D.C. anti-discrimination law only applies to physical establishments, and that the First Amendment does not apply to private actors

February 6, 2020

Click here to view the amicus brief filed by the U.S. Chamber and NFIB Small Business Legal Center. Todd Kim and Devin M. Misor of Reed Smith LLP served as co-counsel for the amici.

Case Documents

Lower Court Opinion -- Freedom Watch, Inc. v. Google, Inc. (USDC - District of Columbia).pdf

U.S. Chamber and NFIB Amicus Brief -- Freedom Watch, Inc. v. Google, Inc. (D.C. Circuit).pdf

Decision -- Freedom Watch, Inc. v. Google, Inc. (D.C. Circuit).pdf