A Michigan case poised for consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court delves into the constitutional boundaries of government officials’ actions on personal social media accounts. The pivotal question revolves around whether it violates the First Amendment for an official to delete comments or block critics on such platforms.
Parties involved in the case, along with interested groups, have submitted briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the establishment of a clear standard for public officials’ social media use. The heart of the matter is determining whether such actions qualify as “state action.”
The dispute originated during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Port Huron resident Kevin Lindke criticized City Manager James Freed’s handling of the crisis on Freed’s Facebook page. Freed’s subsequent deletion of comments and blockage prompted Lindke to sue, alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights.
For case details, visit: supremecourt.gov.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
