Alphabet to Pay $22 Million Settlement Over Trump's YouTube Suspension

Alphabet to Pay $22 Million Settlement to President Trump Over YouTube Suspension Alphabet, the parent company of Google and YouTube, has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over the suspension of his YouTube account following the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol. The settlement also includes payouts for other plaintiffs whose YouTube channels were banned. According to court documents, the suit was filed in 2021 alongside similar lawsuits against Twitter and Facebook, claiming that the suspensions infringed on Trump's First Amendment rights. Twitter, now known as X since its acquisition by Elon Musk, paid President Trump approximately $10 million to settle that suit earlier this year. Meta also settled its suit with the president over his suspension from the platform for $25 million. "We are pleased that we have been able to reach a resolution in this matter," said an Alphabet spokesperson in a statement. "We believe that our moderation policies are necessary to protect users and maintain a safe online environment." The settlement comes as Alphabet has faced increasing pressure from lawmakers to moderate content on its platforms. In a letter to the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month, the company expressed concerns about government pressure to censor speech. "We understand that there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in our moderation processes," said the spokesperson. "However, we also believe that it is essential to balance these needs with the protection of users' rights." The suspension of Trump's YouTube account was part of a broader effort by social media platforms to address misinformation and hate speech following the January 6 riot. While some have praised the efforts as necessary to protect public safety, others have criticized them as an infringement on free speech. "This settlement is a victory for those who believe that the government should not be able to silence its critics," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We will continue to monitor these developments and advocate for greater protections for First Amendment rights." The $22 million payout will be split among Trump and other plaintiffs whose YouTube channels were banned. The settlement also includes provisions for reinstatement of accounts previously banned for COVID-19 or election integrity-related misinformation. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, Alphabet's moderation policies remain a topic of debate. The company has stated that it will continue to work with lawmakers and stakeholders to find a balance between protecting users and preserving free speech. The settlement is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending court approval. *Reporting by Engadget.*