What is the State of Academic Freedom As More Professors Face Increasing Backlash?
An NPR report finds that “across the country, in the past year and a half, at least 250 university professors…have been targeted via online campaigns because of their research, their […]
States Debate How To Tackle Disinformation On Social Media Platforms
Maryland, Washington State, New York, California and a growing number of other states are introducing bills to take on fake ads and social media bots that have polluted the internet […]
Yelp Case Demonstrates How To Out Anonymous Speakers
The online consumer review site, Yelp, tried to protect the anonymity of a reviewer who wrote a dismissive piece about accountancy, Montagna & Associates, Inc., for overcharging and harassment. Montagna sued […]
Following Supreme Court, Kentucky Judge Lifts Social Media Ban on Sex Offenders
In June, the Supreme Court struck down a North Carolina statute with banned registered sex offenders from accessing social media because it violated their First Amendment rights (Packingham v. North Carolina). […]
ESPN Anchor Suspended for Repeated Controversial Tweets
When is a tweet a fireable offense? ESPN anchor Jemele Hill has been posting comments that have come under increasing scrutiny. Under Connecticut law, ESPN is bound by First Amendment principles of freedom of speech. The network's recent suspension of Hill for her latest tweets may be an employer stating an employee violated social media guidelines or an action that can be challenged in court.
Department of Justice Wants Anti-Trump Facebook User Information
The Justice Department has requested Facebook provide information on activists involved with the "DisruptJ20” protests which occurred during President Trump's inauguration. The American Civil Liberties Union is arguing that the request not only chills free speech, but also gives the DPJ unfettered access to thousands of personal records.
From fake Russian ads to anti-Semitic ad targeting, Facebook's ad algorithms have failed the company and its users. This week Facebook's C-suite promised to make changes from working with Congress to prevent future tampering to adding employees to check language. Can Facebook reign in the Wild West of free expression on its platform?
Aggressive Online Response to Hate Speech and Extremists Post-Charlottesville
In the aftermath of the deadly protests in Charlottesville, many are asking when is hate speech protected and when does it cross the line? GoDaddy, Google and Twitter account "Yes, You're Racist" are redefining the reach of extremist views.