ACLU threatens to sue NY congressman for blocking constituents on Facebook

[Madmallard]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is threatening to sue a New York congressman for allegedly blocking his own constituents on Facebook.

The ACLU’s New York chapter sent a letter to Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) on Wednesday arguing that blocking users from viewing his page or commenting on his posts deprives them of constitutional rights.

“Silencing these voices is an affront to the First Amendment and to the core values of our democracy,” the group wrote. “If you do not unban these constituents promptly, we intend to file a federal lawsuit to vindicate their rights.”

The letter includes a list of King’s constituents who say they were banned from the "Congressman Peter King" Facebook page after posting critical comments. According to the ACLU, about 70 users have been blocked from the page.
In a phone interview with The Hill, King said he is free to moderate the Facebook page because it is an extension of his campaign and not a part of his official capacity as a government official. For official communications, King says he uses a Twitter account.

ACLU threatens to sue NY congressman for blocking constituents on Facebook

 

[Jezman]

Go get him. These crimes of rights of humans are very very strictly Scrutinized. I am sure the way the courts are in favor of upholding constitutional rights these people should fare very well. Not really just sarcasm.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Until Facebook is regulated like a utility, it's still a private business with it's own terms of service and conditions. He has the right to act like a douche and his constituents have a right to call him out on it.

 

[Jmac00]

the troubling part is, his constituents are still stupid enough and willing enough to vote for his hypocritical, useless ass

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Privately owned.

 

[spat]

While I don't agree with the ACLU on this one, just imagine the shitstorm it will reign down if they win.

Imagine being able to sue AOC and the rest of the lefties if they delete your comments ?
The savagery unleashed would be unreal.

 

[GOPerfect]

It is his own page, done through a private company. Fuck the ACLU!

 

[Steal2B]

More often than not there are progressive assholes stalking social media flooding the pages with threats and tantrums of stupidity. No one can get a word in edgewise unless someone shuts off their microphones or blocks their posts. eF em.

 

[Acer-m14]

Until Facebook is regulated like a utility, it's still a private business with it's own terms of service and conditions. He has the right to act like a douche and his constituents have a right to call him out on it.

but FB and most social media places have a block option for the user .. if i don't like u .. i can block you .. just like turning the tv channel .. till they remove that .. FU ..

but for news media and political figures .. no .. all comments allowed .. .. the followers can block who they disagree with ..