A First Amendment Group is Suing Trump for Blocking People on Twitter
 |
| Chicago Tribune |
Mere weeks after narrowly avoiding a ban from the platform, Trump has once again found himself facing rebuttal for his activity on Twitter. This time it's not an acerbic or offensive tweet that's caused the problem, instead, it's his blocking habits that are causing problems. The Knight First Amendment Institute, who represent Columbia University, have filed a lawsuit against Trump, claiming that the blocking of seven people by Trump on his official Twitter page was unconstitutional.
In all seven cases, the blocking itself was allegedly based on the opposing views of the people in question, rather than any kind of abusive language, threat or any other violations of Twitter's terms of use. Generally, you don't need a reason to block someone, but Knight are contending that the official presidential Twitter account is a public forum where Americans should be permitted freedom of speech. In sum, Trump shouldn't be allow to muzzle people who disagree with him.
Knight initially sent a letter to Trump threatening legal action, before filing an actual suit with the Southern District of New York. The White House has previously confirmed that Trump's account posts official statements, so in that sense Knight certainly have some grounds, but as is often the case involving any digital media-related lawsuit, it's murky.
The trouble is, as much as Trump's account is an official resource for keeping track of policy announcements and other governmental activity, that doesn't necessarily also make it a public forum. If one account faces a lawsuit for blocking users, regardless of who it belongs to, there's little to stop other accounts from receiving the same treatment. Imagine a world when a blocked troll could sue the blocker. Not pretty is it.
The lawsuit will go ahead, regardless of such discrepancies, and it may well be found that Trump's Twitter is a recognised political forum, and if that happens the implications could spread to other political accounts in the US and perhaps even globally. Trump is an obvious beacon for this because of the way he behaves on Twitter, but regardless of his behaviour, it's difficult to single out one politician for a singular approach when Twitter casts such a wide net.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
A First Amendment Group is Suing Trump for Blocking People on Twitter
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.