Supreme Court Rules Public Officials May Block Their Constituents on Social Media

A local official in Michigan blocked commenters after being criticized over COVID-19 policies.
Supreme Court Rules Public Officials May Block Their Constituents on Social Media
People leave the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Feb. 21, 2024. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Matthew Vadum
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Public officials may block people on social media in certain situations, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously on March 15.

At the same time, the court held that public officials who post about topics pertaining to their work on their personal social media accounts are acting on behalf of the government. But such officials can be found liable for violating the First Amendment only when they have been properly authorized by the government to communicate on its behalf.