Free Speech Defense Act

HR 8838, the Free Speech Defense Act, prohibits federal agencies from directing or influencing social media companies to remove content, label posts as "misinformation," share user data, or engage in content moderation. It bans federal funding for entities that classify content, restricts agencies from accepting free social media advertising (except for immediate public safety threats), and terminates existing public-private partnerships for content monitoring. The bill applies to all federal agencies and social media companies as defined by the legislation, aiming to prevent government interference in online content decisions. Key provisions include banning agency directives to suspend accounts, suppress content, or share user demographics with platforms, with penalties for violations.