Smartmatic Settles Lawsuit With Newsmax Amid Ongoing Legal Battles

Smartmatic's lawsuit against Newsmax, initiated in November 2021, alleged that the network disseminated false claims about the voting company. The case was allowed to proceed in February 2023, but just as jury selection was about to commence, Newsmax announced a confidential settlement. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal landscape surrounding misinformation related to the 2020 election. The settlement with Newsmax follows a broader trend of legal actions taken by Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems against various media outlets and individuals, including Fox News, OANN, and prominent figures like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. These lawsuits aim to hold these parties accountable for spreading unfounded allegations of election fraud, which have had damaging effects on the companies' reputations and financial standing. In the wake of these lawsuits, Fox News previously settled with Dominion for $787.5 million, indicating a willingness among media organizations to resolve these disputes outside of court. The legal battles reflect a growing concern over the impact of misinformation on public trust in the electoral process and the integrity of voting systems. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcomes of these cases could set important precedents regarding the responsibilities of media organizations in reporting on sensitive political issues. The resolution of Smartmatic's case against Newsmax underscores the ongoing struggle for accountability in the face of widespread misinformation.