{"id":2371870,"date":"2024-11-21T17:57:02","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T22:57:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/paxton-investigates-ad-network-musk-sued-over-x-boycott-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-11-21T18:00:06","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T23:00:06","slug":"paxton-investigates-ad-network-musk-sued-over-x-boycott-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/paxton-investigates-ad-network-musk-sued-over-x-boycott-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Paxton investigates ad network Musk sued over X boycott &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fpaxton-investigates-ad-network-musk-sued-over-x-boycott-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2371870&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into the Global \u200bAlliance for Responsible Media \u2063(GARM) concerning allegations \u200bof an anticompetitive boycott aimed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-new-acting-attorney-general-jeff-rosen-recently-wrote-an-essay-on-foreign-influence-in-us-elections-this-tells-us-a-little-about-his-knowledge-of-whats-going-on-today\/\" title=\"The New Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen Recently Wrote an Essay on Foreign Influence in US Elections \u2013 This Tells Us A Little About His Knowledge of What\u2019s Going On Today\">social media platforms<\/a>, most \u200dnotably\u2062 Elon\u2063 Musk&#8217;s platform, X (formerly Twitter). \u2062This investigation \u200bfollows an antitrust lawsuit \u2063filed by X in August, \u2064which claims\u200b that \u200bGARM, alongside the World Federation \u2062of Advertisers (WFA), engaged in a \u200ccoordinated effort \u2062to \u2062withhold advertising revenue from platforms \u2064that do not comply\u200b with GARM&#8217;s &#8220;Brand Safety Standards.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>The lawsuit alleges that \u2063this coordinated boycott constitutes a violation of antitrust laws by intentionally disadvantaging platforms such as\u2062 X and Rumble, a site popular among conservative users. Paxton has criticized the \u200dBiden administration for allegedly failing to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cvs-caremark-faces-lawsuit-over-fees-collected-from-pharmacies\/\" title=\"CVS Caremark sued for pharmacy fee collection.\">enforce antitrust regulations<\/a>\u2063 against political allies and highlighted that collusion among trade organizations to block advertising undermines market competition.<\/p>\n<p>GARM, which was formed in the aftermath of the Christchurch shootings \u200cto advocate for transparency in digital \u200bmedia advertising, faced backlash for its standards being viewed as censorship. Following Musk&#8217;s lawsuit, GARM has since shut down, \u200dwhich \u200dit attributed to \u200ddistractions from\u2063 collusion \u200dallegations. Both \u200cX and Rumble are seeking\u2063 legal remedies against GARM, claiming financial damages and an injunction against future coordinated actions. The investigation\u200c adds to existing scrutiny from Congress regarding GARM and WFA&#8217;s practices.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Paxton investigates ad network Musk sued over X boycott<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1885057\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Texas Attorney General <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/ken-paxton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Ken Paxton<\/a> has launched an investigation into the Global Alliance for Responsible Media over allegations of an <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">anticompetitive boycott targeting social media platforms<\/a>, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/elon-musk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Elon Musk<\/a>&rsquo;s X.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The investigation comes on the heels of an antitrust lawsuit filed by X in August, accusing GARM and its suburbanization, the World Federation of Advertisers, of orchestrating a coordinated boycott to withhold advertising revenue from platforms that do not adhere to GARM&rsquo;s &ldquo;Brand Safety Standards.&rdquo; The investigation seeks to determine whether the groups violated antitrust laws by colluding to disadvantage platforms such as X and Rumble, a video-sharing platform favored by conservatives.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (AP Photo\/Jose Luis Magana)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texasattorneygeneral.gov\/news\/releases\/attorney-general-ken-paxton-opens-investigation-possible-conspiracy-advertising-companies-boycott\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">statement<\/a>, Paxton criticized the Biden administration as failing to enforce antitrust laws against its perceived political allies. <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Trade organizations and companies cannot collude to block advertising revenue from entities they wish to undermine,&rdquo; Paxton said, adding that such practices threaten free market competition.<\/p>\n<p>X&rsquo;s lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Texas, alleges that GARM members, including Mars, CVS, Unilever, and Danish energy firm Orsted, acted in concert to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/meet-the-company-trying-to-control-your-mind\/\" title=\"Meet The Company Trying To Control Your Mind\">enforce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/docs-show-corporate-giants-are-colluding-to-demonetize-conservative-platforms-judiciary-committee-says\/\" title=\"Judiciary Committee Reveals Corporate Giants&#039; Alleged Conspiracy to Demonetize Conservative Platforms\">brand safety standards<\/a><\/a> through a &ldquo;naked restraint of trade&rdquo; at the expense of social media platforms. The suit also claims that these actions were not in the advertisers&rsquo; individual economic interests but were instead part of a collective effort to pressure platforms such as X into compliance.<\/p>\n<p>Rumble joined X in the lawsuit, accusing GARM of imposing &ldquo;one-size-fits-all&rdquo; standards that led to boycotts of alternative platforms. Both companies are seeking an injunction to prevent further coordination among advertisers, as well as damages and legal fees.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investigation follows GARM&rsquo;s downfall<\/h2>\n<p>The controversy surrounding GARM reached a tipping point in August when Musk&rsquo;s lawsuit <a href=\"https:\/\/deadline.com\/2024\/08\/elon-musk-lawsuit-x-advertisers-1236035749\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">prompted WFA to announce <\/a><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deadline.com\/2024\/08\/elon-musk-lawsuit-x-advertisers-1236035749\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GARM&rsquo;s shutdown<\/a><\/span>. In a statement, WFA described GARM as a &ldquo;not-for-profit initiative&rdquo; and blamed its closure on a &ldquo;distraction&rdquo; caused by allegations of collusion.<\/p>\n<p>GARM was originally established in 2019 following the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand to promote transparency and responsible advertising in digital media. However, critics, including Musk, argued that its brand safety standards became a tool for censorship and anticompetitive practices.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Billionaire Elon Musk listens as President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (Allison Robbert\/Pool via AP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>X alleged that GARM members &ldquo;abruptly and in lockstep&rdquo; pulled advertising in 2023 over concerns about hate speech on the platform. Musk, who purchased X when it was Twitter in 2022 to promote free speech, faced significant backlash from advertisers as the platform saw increased scrutiny over its content moderation policies.<\/p>\n<p>Paxton&rsquo;s investigation adds momentum to legal challenges against WFA and GARM, which are already facing scrutiny from Congress. The House Judiciary Committee previously found evidence suggesting GARM organized boycotts and used indirect tactics to target disfavored platforms and content creators.<\/p>\n<p>X CEO Linda Yaccarino has pointed to the committee&rsquo;s findings as evidence of GARM&rsquo;s alleged collusion, saying its actions &ldquo;demonetized and limited choices for consumers.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>As Paxton&rsquo;s office reviews WFA&rsquo;s activities, the investigation underscores growing concerns about the influence of international advertising groups on free speech and market competition. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the advertising industry and its role in shaping online discourse.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It&rsquo;s still a major problem<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1859697748209172743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 21, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>    <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Musk has continued to call attention to what he describes as a systemic problem. <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s still a major problem,&rdquo; he posted on X in response to Paxton&rsquo;s announcement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1885057\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1885057\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paxton probes ad network Musk sued over X boycott<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2633,"featured_media":2371871,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/KP.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[45470,4250,18466,32076,45471],"class_list":["post-2371870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-ad-network","tag-musk","tag-paxton","tag-washington-examiner","tag-x-boycott"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/KP.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2371870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2633"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2371870"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2371870\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2371874,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2371870\/revisions\/2371874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2371871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2371870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2371870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2371870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}