Online Public Relations Thoughts

Investors in social media companies have asked for greater content control in light of the Capitol riot and to reduce the threat of violence during Biden's inauguration.  This is pressure that can move corporations to take action.  Twitter and Facebook have already banned the President from commenting but investors want to see more prohibitions such as blocking hashtags like #stopthesteal.  Ordinarily such control would be suspect in light of First Amendment rights, but this is no ordinary time. There was violence that directly resulted from speech, and there is "clear and present danger."  The Capitol has become an isolated island surrounded by fencing and guarded by thousands of soldiers to prevent another insurrection.  This supports the call from investors for a deeper screening of content.  The danger will pass eventually and social media might relax their standards, but for the foreseeable future, close vetting is warranted.