Taylor Lorenz’s Power User How The Govt Uses Big Tech to Silence Critics
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Feb 27, 2026 Colin McDonnell, an attorney at FIRE defending online free expression. He discusses government pressure on Apple and Facebook to remove ICE-tracking apps and large Facebook groups. He explains how platforms complied quickly, legal arguments about recording law enforcement, claims of doxxing versus protected speech, and why courts must block government coercion of tech companies.
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Chicago Organizer Built Massive ICE Watch Group
- Kay Rosado built a Facebook group to share sightings and videos of ICE activity after fears about enforcement in Chicago increased.
- The group grew from a small community resource to nearly 100,000 members during Operation Midway Blitz, documenting ICE in public.
App Developer Built Video Archive Then Apple Pulled It
- A developer created the Eyes Up app to preserve videos of ICE in public, aiming to store footage long-term for accountability.
- DOJ and DHS officials publicly pressured Apple to remove Eyes Up and similar apps, and Apple complied within days.
Government Pressure Turns Platform Moderation Into Censorship
- Government coercion of platforms is effectively censorship because the First Amendment bars officials from pressuring third parties to suppress speech.
- This 'jawboning' turns private moderation into state action when officials dictate which content must be removed.