NetChoice, LLC v. Paxton

49 F.4th 439 (5th Cir. 2022)

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: July 2026

Opinion Summary

Upheld Texas HB 20, which prohibits large social media platforms from censoring users based on viewpoint. The court held that social media platforms are common carriers and their content moderation decisions are not protected by the First Amendment. Created a circuit split with the Eleventh Circuit, later addressed by the Supreme Court.

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Netchoice v. Paxton 5th Circuit

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Case Information

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Court Level: U.S. Court of Appeals
Circuit: 5th Circuit
Date Decided: Friday, September 16, 2022
Citation: 49 F.4th 439 (5th Cir. 2022)
Jurisdiction: United States Federal

Legal Topics

civil rightsbusiness

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.