Twitter Can’t Block Texas AG Probe During First Amendment Appeal

Twitter Inc. can’t block an allegedly “retaliatory investigation” by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) while the social media giant appeals the dismissal of its lawsuit asserting that the probe violated its First Amendment rights, a federal judge in California held.

Twitter filed its lawsuit March 8, saying Paxton issued the civil investigative demand on Jan. 13, 2021, seeking documents in connection with potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices—Consumer Protection Act. In reality, Twitter alleged, Paxton was retaliating against Twitter for its suspensions of President Trump and others who posted misinformation about the U.S. Capitol attack in January. ...