Federal Court: Public Officials Cannot Block Social Media Users Because of Their Criticism

[Seattle Husker]

Wait...public officials blocking people on social media is an infringement on free speech? Really? Not sure I agree with that premise. Not sure about Facebook but even if Trump blocks a user on Twitter, that user can still see all of the replies. Not sure if they can see the original tweet.

 

[Musburger1]

I didnt read the article, but it seems to me if a public official is using social media as a vehicle to comment politically, then the ruling makes sense. If the account is used exclusively for non political private matters, then I can see the other side.

 

[militaryhorn]

I didnt read the article, but it seems to me if a public official is using social media as a vehicle to comment politically, then the ruling makes sense. If the account is used exclusively for non political private matters, then I can see the other side.

I think if the individual is using a government issued device then any post from that device is public property. If done from a personal device, then they can do whatever they want regardless of what is said

 

[Mr. Deez]

I haven't read the court's opinion, but my view is that a Facebook page could implicate the First Amendment. If it's an official page (as opposed to a campaign or personal page) and if the official uses government time and resources to update it, then I could recognize a First Amendment interest. Now should there be limits on that? Of course. I think the First Amendment should protect your right to post real questions. If you're abusive or trying to disrupt the page, then I think the official should be able to block you. You have the right to ask policy questions and criticize a candidate. You don't have the right to launch personal tirades, post pictures of dicks, etc.

 

[Seattle Husker]

From what I understand, this was a local politician on a formal public office account. Constituent decides to publicly deride a 3rd party group who were political allies of the female public servant. She deleted the comment and blocked said constituent.

I believe those are the facts of the case.