Category: First Amendment (US Constitution)

Students Target Teachers in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School

Seventh and eighth graders in Malvern, Pa., impersonating their teachers posted disparaging, lewd, racist and homophobic videos in the first known mass attack of its kind in the U.S.
Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Biden Administration’s Contacts With Social Media Companies

The case, one of several this term on how the First Amendment applies to technology platforms, was dismissed on the ground that the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue.
TikTok’s Future in U.S. Depends on Bet on First Amendment

The popular video-sharing app faces uncertain odds as it takes its fight to court to turn back a potential ban in the United States.
Supreme Court Sets Rules for Blocking Citizens From Officials’ Accounts

In two unanimous rulings, the justices tried to distinguish between private conduct, which is not subject to the First Amendment, and state action, which is.
DeSantis Vetoes Blanket Social Media Ban for Youths Under 16

The statute, passed by the Florida Legislature last week, would have required sites like TikTok and Instagram to deny accounts to underage users, even if their parents permitted them to do so.
Judge Fines Ex-Fox News Reporter, Catherine Herridge, for Not Revealing Sources

The journalist, Catherine Herridge, had reported on an F.B.I. investigation of a scientist’s Chinese ties. She was held in contempt of court.
Supreme Court Seems Open to Free Speech Challenges to Social Media Laws

The tech industry argues that laws in Florida and Texas, prompted by conservative complaints about censorship, violate the First Amendment. The court’s decision could fundamentally alter the nature of speech on the internet.
Federal Judge Dismisses Disney Lawsuit Against DeSantis

The company had claimed that the Florida governor and his allies violated its First Amendment rights by taking over a special tax district that governs Walt Disney World.
Silicon Valley Battles States Over New Online Safety Laws for Children

Lawsuits filed by NetChoice, which represents companies including TikTok and Meta, have stalled protection efforts in three states.
Judge Halts TikTok Ban in Montana

TikTok, which is owned by a Chinese company, has been locked in a legal battle with Montana since the state passed the ban in April.
Appeals Court Rules White House Overstepped 1st Amendment on Social Media

A Fifth Circuit panel partly upheld restrictions on the Biden administration’s communications with online platforms about their content.
Disney Changes Gears in Suits Against DeSantis and Allies

Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for president, have been sparring for more than a year over a special tax district that encompasses Disney World.