In the Cox case, #FreeSpeech advocates urged the #SCOTUS to side with the #InternetProvider, warning of a chilling effect on free expression if #internet companies could be on the hook for hefty penalties for the actions of their users. The advocates argued that such a ruling could result in speech-related lawsuits against other kinds of intermediaries, including #bookstores & #socialmedia platforms.
Cox Communications provides #internet service to >6 million homes & businesses in more than a dozen states. During oral arguments in December, justices from across the ideological spectrum raised concerns that siding with the #music industry could result in #InternetProviders like Cox being forced to cut off access to large account holders such as hospitals & universities because of the illegal acts of individual users.