YouTube Settles Trump Lawsuit with $24.5 Million Payment
YouTube has reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought by former President Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $24.5 million. This agreement follows Trump’s suspension from various social media platforms after the events of January 6, 2021. With this settlement, YouTube completes the trio of major tech firms, including Meta and X, that have settled litigation related to Trump’s removal from their platforms.
YouTube’s Settlement Breakdown
The payout includes $22 million allocated to the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall. This organization is committed to the preservation and enhancement of the National Mall, including support for the construction of the White House State Ballroom. Additionally, YouTube will pay $2.5 million to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit stemmed from Trump’s suspension, which the platforms justified by citing the risk of inciting violence through his posts about the Capitol riot. Legal experts previously indicated that such suits often face challenges, as tech companies hold the right to manage their platforms as they choose.
Despite this, the settlements indicate a shift in the approach of these tech giants. Since Trump’s presidency began in January, there has been a trend of more accommodating stances towards him and Republican interests.
Previous Settlements by Major Tech Firms
Before YouTube’s agreement, Meta settled with Trump for $25 million in January. X, formerly known as Twitter, concluded its settlement in February with a payment near $10 million, according to reports.
Recent Developments
Key figures from these companies, such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sundar Pichai, were present at Trump’s inauguration. In a notable turn, YouTube recently lifted bans on accounts previously blocked for spreading misinformation regarding the 2020 election results. The company stated that it recognizes the value of conservative voices and their role in public discussions. This change underscores an evolving landscape in social media content moderation.
