Texas AG launches probe into alleged antitrust advertising scheme boycotting social media companies

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday announced an investigation into allegations that some advertising companies boycotted conservative social media platforms.

The civil investigation is expected to look into whether the World Federation of Advertising (WFA) and its nonprofit Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) engaged in a conspiracy to withhold advertising dollars from companies such as Elon Musk's X, because they allegedly violated the WFA's “Brand Safety Standards.” 

Paxton's office said that although advertising companies can choose where to place their ads, engaging in a conspiracy could violate the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983. 

“It is completely unacceptable and un-American that the Department of Justice under the Biden Administration failed to enforce antitrust laws against its perceived political allies,” Paxton said in a statement. “Trade organizations and companies cannot collude to block advertising revenue from entities they wish to undermine."

The attorney general asked the federation to turn over all documents and information related to the alleged conspiracy as part of the investigation.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.