The Free Speech Protection Act would prohibit federal employees and contractors from pressuring online platforms to remove or suppress legally protected speech, including by directing platforms to flag content as false or misinformation, removing users, or limiting speech visibility. The bill defines this pressure broadly to include any communication—visible or hidden—that directs, coerces, or encourages platforms to censor protected speech. It also prevents federal agencies from requesting user data from platforms and prohibits federal employees from entering into partnerships to monitor platform content or accepting free advertising from platforms. Violations would result in severe penalties for federal employees, including removal from office, fines of at least $10,000, loss of government pensions, security clearance revocation, and debarment from federal contracts. The bill creates a private right of action allowing individuals harmed by violations to sue in federal court for damages and attorney fees. Additionally, the legislation terminates the Department of Homeland Security's Disinformation Governance Board, bars federal agencies from awarding grants related to misinformation or disinformation, and requires federal grant recipients to certify they won't label news creators as sources of misinformation. Reporting requirements mandate that agencies disclose all communications with platform representatives to Congress every 90 days.
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