Justices Consider Who Public Officials Can Block on Social Media

The US Supreme Court will consider how to adapt current free speech protections to social media accounts where public officials interact with constituents when the justices return for arguments this week.

In a pair of cases to be heard Tuesday, the justices will decide if those officials run afoul of the First Amendment when they block individuals on social media accounts that highlight both professional and personal affairs.

Advocates supportive of robust protections say there is no need for the justices to reinvent the current standard for measuring free speech rights.

Any time a public official creates a forum, there ...