CNBC reports on the U.S. Supreme Court taking a case that could impact manufactured housing, and the nation at large, in several ways.
As the Daily Business News on MHProNews has noted several times the obvious fact that Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms are routinely being used to communicate for personal and professional uses, including to members, as well as to potential customers.
Furthermore, with growing allegations that Google, and some social media companies being accused of tilting politically during campaigns, or for search results, there are several reasons that this should be seen as an important high-court decision.
- The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could determine whether users can challenge social media companies on free speech grounds.
- The case, Manhattan Community Access Corp. v. Halleck, No. 17-702, centers on whether a private operator of a public access television network is considered a state actor which can be sued for First Amendment violations.
- The case could have broader implications for social media and other media outlets. In particular, a broad ruling from the high court could open the country’s largest technology companies up to First Amendment lawsuits.
“On its face,” per CNBC, “the case has nothing to do with social media at all. Rather, the facts of the case concern public access television, and two producers who claim they were punished for expressing their political views. The producers, DeeDee Halleck and Jesus Melendez, say that Manhattan Neighborhood Network suspended them for expressing views that were critical of the network.”
But they added that, “In making the argument to the justices that the case was worthy of review, attorneys for MNN said the court could use the case to resolve a lingering dispute over the power of social media companies to regulate the content on their platforms.”
“While the First Amendment is meant to protect citizens against government attempts to limit speech, there are certain situations in which private companies can be subject to First Amendment liability. Attorneys for MNN have made the case that social media companies are clearly not government actors. But in raising the question, they have provided the Supreme Court an opportunity to weigh in,” per CNBC.
MHProNews plans to monitor the case. For related reports, see further below, particularly the red-hot video, “The Creepy Line.” That’s this evening’s look at “News through the Lens of Manufactured Homes, and Factory-Built Housing,” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © ## (News, analysis, and commentary.)
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