Rep. Ted Lieu (D., Calif.) said he would “love to be able to regulate the content of speech” during a CNN interview Wednesday, adding that the First Amendment prevented him from doing that.
After CNN host Brianna Keilar wondered aloud if the House Judiciary Committee should have used more of its time questioning Google CEO Sundar Pichai about how it and other tech companies can prevent the spread of conspiracy theories and other online trolling, Lieu responded:
“It’s a very good point you make. I would love if I could have more than five minutes to question witnesses. Unfortunately, I don’t get that opportunity. However, I would love to be able to regulate the content of speech. The First Amendment prevents me from doing so, and that’s simply a function of the First Amendment, but I think over the long run, it’s better the government does not regulate the content of speech.”