Beer maker Anheuser-Busch has been accused in a class action lawsuit of allegedly using a user agreement on its website to suppress customer commentary about the company and its products on social media.
The lawsuit claims this is in violation of California law. Initially filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Dec. 20, the case was moved to Los Angeles federal court on Jan. 25.
The suit alleges that Anheuser-Busch attempted to block critical speech about the company and its products online. The plaintiffs in the case are David Callaway, Nathan Ross, and Khanh Quock Le, who are suing on behalf of themselves and other allegedly similarly situated consumers who accessed or used Anheuser-Busch's websites or mobile applications.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution, injunctive relief, public injunctive relief, and other remedies necessitated by the defendants' alleged unlawful actions. They are also asking for an order permanently enjoining Anheuser-Busch from engaging in these ongoing practices.
According to the complaint, companies have a significant incentive to minimize negative publicity they receive online due to the power of the internet and social media platforms. The lawsuit argues that some companies have tried to prohibit customers from making negative statements about their goods or services.
Plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Christopher R. Rodriguez, of Singleton Schreiber LLP, of Sacramento, and Thomas A. Leary, of San Diego.