Thursday, 3 April 2025
30 C
Singapore
34.3 C
Thailand
28.3 C
Indonesia
28.3 C
Philippines

A Texas judge rules X’s libel lawsuit against Media Matters can proceed

A Texas judge denies Media Matters' request to dismiss X's lawsuit over alleged harmful content, allowing the case to proceed.

A Texas judge has ruled against Media Matters for America’s request to dismiss Xโ€™s lawsuit over claims of anti-semitic and racist content, allowing the case to proceed. On Thursday, Judge Reed O’Connor of the Northern District of Texas denied the media watchdog’s request, clearing the way for X to continue its legal battle against Media Matters.

Background of the lawsuit

Media Matters submitted its motion to dismiss in early March, arguing that the case lacked โ€œpersonal jurisdiction,โ€ was filed in an โ€œimproper venue,โ€ and failed to โ€œstate a claim.โ€ However, Judge Oโ€™Connor rejected all these arguments, according to court records.

The lawsuit, filed last year in federal court, seeks damages from Media Matters over what it describes as โ€œmaliciously manufacturedโ€ images. These images were reportedly used to show that Xโ€™s platform was placing neo-Nazi and white nationalist content next to advertisers’ images, causing many advertisers to withdraw their business from the site. While Media Matters asserts that the images were not fabricated, X claims that Media Mattersโ€™ aggressive focus on ad placement near racist content, allegedly using specific accounts to bypass ad filters, has caused significant damage to the social media company.

Elon Musk, the owner of X, also owns several other companies based in Texas. However, these companies are not directly related to the lawsuit against Media Matters. Earlier this month, X closed its San Francisco offices, and Musk announced plans to move Xโ€™s headquarters to Austin, Texas. This follows Tesla’s headquarters relocation from California to Texas in 2021 and SpaceXโ€™s move from Delaware to Texas earlier this year after a judge dismissed a US$56 billion pay package from Delaware.

Despite these changes, Judge O’Connor’s decision to dismiss the “personal jurisdiction” argument was influenced by the fact that two of Xโ€™s significant advertisers, AT&T and Oracle, which were mentioned in Media Matters’ coverage, are based in Texas. He referred to a key 2002 internet defamation case, Revell v. Lidov, and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ statement that if someone chooses to โ€œpick a fight in Texas, it is reasonable to expect that it be settled there.โ€

The road ahead for Xโ€™s lawsuit

With Media Matters’ motion dismissed, X’s lawsuit will now move forward. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the social media giant and media watchdog groups, particularly concerning how platforms manage and moderate content that could be seen as harmful or offensive. It remains to be seen how the court will handle the next stages of the lawsuit and what the potential outcomes could mean for both X and Media Matters.

Hot this week

RedCurl group linked to new ransomware strain in first documented attack

Bitdefender uncovers RedCurl's first ransomware campaign, revealing QWCrypt's unique tactics and the group's evolving cyber threat model.

Microsoft removes Windows 11 loophole for skipping account setup

Microsoft is blocking a well-known workaround that lets you set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, enforcing stricter installation rules.

Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model is now available for all users

Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model is now available for all users, offering advanced coding and reasoning abilities with a free trial for Gemini Advanced.

Zelle is removing its stand-alone app

Zelle is shutting down its stand-alone app, but you can still use the service through your bankโ€™s app. Hereโ€™s what you need to know.

Informatica introduces new AI features to boost cloud data integration and management

Informatica adds AI tools to simplify data integration and improve enterprise access to AI-ready data across its cloud platform.

YouTube expands shopping affiliate programme in Singapore through Shopee partnership

YouTube teams up with Shopee to launch its Shopping affiliate programme in Singapore, giving creators new ways to monetise their content.

Misconceptions about STEM careers continue to deter young women in Singapore

New research shows stereotypes and lack of support are deterring young women from STEM careers, posing a risk to Singaporeโ€™s innovation goals.

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

Informatica introduces new AI features to boost cloud data integration and management

Informatica adds AI tools to simplify data integration and improve enterprise access to AI-ready data across its cloud platform.

Related Articles