Media News Daily: Top Stories for 03/26/2026

Trump Administration Settles Social Media “Censorship” Lawsuit

The Justice Department has reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging that the Biden administration pressured social media companies to suppress certain speech. The agreement bars agencies, including the CDC, CISA, and the Surgeon General’s Office, from exerting such influence for 10 years. Originally filed in 2022 by officials from Missouri and Louisiana, along with private plaintiffs, the case alleged First Amendment violations tied to the moderation of COVID-19 and 2020 election content. Although the Supreme Court dismissed the case in 2024 on standing grounds, the Trump administration framed the settlement as part of broader efforts to restore free speech protections. Read More (The Hill Rating)

Jury Finds Meta and YouTube Liable in Social Media Addiction Case

A Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta and Google’s YouTube are liable for contributing to a young woman’s mental health harm through allegedly addictive platform design. The jury awarded $3 million in damages, split 70% to Meta and 30% to Google, along with an additional $3 million in punitive damages. The case focused on features like “infinite scroll,” which the court determined could be evaluated separately from user-generated content protections under Section 230. The verdict follows a similar ruling in New Mexico and is part of a broader wave of lawsuits targeting social media companies over youth addiction claims. Read More (MediaPost Rating)

Pentagon Press Restrictions Face Legal Challenge After Court Ruling

A federal judge has struck down Pentagon policies limiting how journalists obtain information, ruling that seeking nonpublic information is a fundamental part of journalism and protected by the First Amendment. The decision stems from a lawsuit challenging restrictions on reporting “unauthorized” information. In response, the Pentagon issued a revised policy but signaled plans to appeal. The case underscores ongoing tensions between national security concerns and press freedom, with broader implications for how far the government can go in regulating interactions between officials and journalists. Read More (News Facts Network Rating)