Protect Journalism Online

- The Latest
  Regular reporting on government secrecy, surveillance, and the rights of reporters and whistleblowers.
  - The Classifieds
  - News Releases
- Technology
  Working open source software products to protect journalists, newsrooms, and their sources.
  - SecureDrop
  - Dangerzone
- U.S. Press Freedom Tracker
  A database of press freedom incidents in the United States.
  - Data Visualizations
  - Explore the Database
- Digital Security Education
  Digital security trainings and resources for journalists.
  - Request a Training
  - Guides & Resources
- About Us
  Protecting and defending press freedom when we need it the most.
- Our Team
  - Staff & Contributors
  - Board of Directors
- Transparency
  - Reports & Financials
  - Announcements
- Get in Touch
  - Jobs & Internships
  - Contact Us
Take action
Donate

TikTok influencer in Montana after the ban was issued - AP23187638051023

AP Photo/Tommy Martino

Efforts to undermine First Amendment rights on the internet and to censor online content are a fundamental threat to the free press.

When lawmakers try to censor online speech or entire platforms, it harms the First Amendment rights on which journalists rely.

Most people get their news online, and the internet and social media are especially important for independent and citizen journalists who publish there. Anyone who cares about press freedom should also oppose attempts to undermine free speech online.

Email Congress to stop online censorship bills

First Name * Last Name
Email Address *
Street Address * Zip Code * Enter a five digit US ZIP code

Edit this message so that it is unique to you: Dear Member of Congress, As your constituent, I urge you to VOTE NO on any bills that give the government power to censor online content, especially the Kids Online Safety Act, and on any bills mandating or pressuring app stores, apps, and websites to use age verification. While these bills claim to protect children, they would instead enable government censorship, restricting access to information for both kids and adults. Age verification requirements will result in online ID checks that force children and adults to share sensitive personal information, undermining online privacy and anonymous speech. As a supporter of a free press, I’m especially concerned these measures could silence news and whistleblowers by encouraging the removal of news content online and making anonymous posting harder. In addition, these measures risk making it harder for journalists and news outlets to reach audiences by undermining smaller, newer platforms on which journalists share their work. Because smaller and newer platforms will be less likely to be able to afford to comply with KOSA and other bills’ requirements, these bills will consolidate the power of larger social media platforms that often do not prioritize the sharing of news. Please stand up for free expression and a free press by voting NO on KOSA and similar bills. URLs are not allowed in this message.

* Required. We will not share your information with third parties. Learn more

Something went wrong processing this request. Please try again later.

Opt in to email updates from Freedom of the Press Foundation

Something went wrong and your email updates subscription could not be processed. Please visit our signup page and try again.

Thank you for emailing Congress to stop online censorship bills

Donate

Share this message on social media:
Join me in writing to members of Congress to tell them to protect press freedom by voting against online censorship

Featured Items

Financial censorship harms press freedom
Online Censorship•Article
GoFundMe blocked a publisher and won’t say why. Payment processors should be transparent about decisions to freeze or ban accounts

Published Sept. 6, 2023 Seth Stern Caitlin Vogus
Dozens of civil society groups oppose congressional censorship law
Online Censorship•Article
Dozens of civil society and press freedom organizations have opposed a new proposal that would allow members of Congress to compel online censorship of certain information

Published July 19, 2023 Caitlin Vogus
Don’t give Congress a censor’s pen
Online Censorship•Article
A new proposal would harm journalism by empowering Congress to require removal of information about lawmakers from the internet

Published July 19, 2023 Caitlin Vogus
Sunlight on social media: Government officials’ posts should be public records
FOIA•Article
A new decision from Pennsylvania unnecessarily complicates the public’s right to know about government business conducted on social media

Published May 31, 2023 Caitlin Vogus
Online speech cases fizzle at Supreme Court, but threats to journalists remain
Online Censorship•Article
Supreme Court kicks Section 230 can down the road

Published May 26, 2023 Caitlin Vogus
Copyright abuses preview a world without Section 230
Online Censorship•Article
Congress should not encourage censorship whenever someone baselessly alleges defamation

Published April 21, 2023 Seth Stern
UnAmerican RESTRICT Act would enable mass censorship
Online Censorship•Article
It’s embarrassing that elected officials actually support this unconstitutional mess

Published April 7, 2023 Seth Stern
Unconstitutional TikTok ban would open the door to press censorship
Online Censorship•Article
Speculation about spying can’t justify restraining speech

Published March 24, 2023 Seth Stern
Outrageous social media laws await Supreme Court
Online Censorship•Article
Key First Amendment protections face challenges from Texas and Florida.

Published Oct. 21, 2022 Freedom of the Press Foundation
How independent and international news orgs are circumventing censorship in Russia
Online Censorship•Article
Russia has cracked down extensively on independent reporting within its borders since it invaded Ukraine last month, leading many outlets to cease publishing or pull editorial staff from the country entirely. Still, international and independent news outlets that would face official censorship within Russia are finding ways to distribute uncensored news to avid readers.

Published March 22, 2022 Parker Higgins