SC orders House to respond to online creators' petition against fake news probe

The Supreme Court has directed the House of Representatives to respond to a petition filed by several online content creators seeking to halt an investigation into their alleged dissemination of fake news and malicious content.

In a resolution dated February 11, 2025, the SC required respondents to submit comments within 15 days of receiving notice.

The petitioners argue that the House inquiry violates their constitutional rights to free speech and press freedom, creating a chilling effect on their exercise of these freedoms and constituting prior restraint on free expression, making it unconstitutional.

House panel members have also issued show cause orders to social media platforms following their refusal to attend congressional hearings.

The petitioners claim that the invitations for the hearing were sent after Representative Robert Ace Barbers made statements in December 2024 about taking action against online harassment he and other Quadcomm members faced, including accusations of being a drug lord despite his opposition to illegal drugs.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers clarified that the joint panel is not intended to suppress freedom of speech or expression but aims to establish rules governing information dissemination on social media.