Court blocks FTC investigation into Media Matters' alleged scheme against X

The court has blocked the Federal Trade Commission's investigation into Media Matters, a media nonprofit that had published research showing ads appearing on X (formerly Twitter) alongside neo-Nazi and antisemitic content. X, owned by Elon Musk, had filed a lawsuit against Media Matters, accusing the group of "knowingly and maliciously" manufacturing images depicting advertisers' posts alongside extremist content. The FTC had started investigating whether Media Matters violated antitrust laws by allegedly colluding with advertising and advocacy groups to boycott X. Media Matters sued the FTC, claiming the investigation was a "retaliatory act" for the group's past criticisms of X. The court has agreed with Media Matters, granting a preliminary injunction and ruling that the FTC's investigation is likely a violation of the group's First Amendment rights. The court noted that such probes could deter other reporters from speaking out. While Media Matters' legal battles with X are ongoing, the court's decision has blocked the FTC's investigation into the nonprofit.