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Supreme Court Clears the Way for Sex Offenders on Facebook, Twitter and Other Social Media Sites

Jun 19, 2017  •  Post A Comment

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a law barring convicted sex offenders from Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. The AP reports that the court ruled unanimously to strike down a 2008 North Carolina law aimed at keeping sex offenders off Internet sites that might be used by children.

The court ruled in favor of Lester Packingham Jr., who was convicted of violating the North Carolina law after boasting on Facebook about beating a traffic ticket.

“The court rejected the state’s argument that the law deals with the virtual world in the same way that states keep sex offenders out of playgrounds and other places children visit,” the AP reports.

In his majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote: “In sum, to foreclose access to social media altogether is to prevent the user from engaging in the legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights.”

2 Comments

  1. Excuse me, SCOUS, the law was intended to limit access to Facebook, Twitter, etc not all social media, per se and to try to inhibit sexual predators was ‘fishing’ for victims. Perhaps if one of your grandkids fell victim to these sick individuals, you would understand the value of separating certain freedoms from perverts..

  2. Like the Citizens United case that gave Washington Power to the people with the most money, this case will result in a tremendous impact on the country in a very negative way.

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