Clay Calvert Comments on Social Media Blocking Trump

Clay Calvert, director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, was quoted in “Why the First Amendment Can’t Protect Trump on Twitter or Save Parler” published on cnet.com on Jan. 11.

The article focuses on the constitutional protection of free speech in America and how actions by private social media and internet platforms are not free speech violations.

“It’s a common mistake people make in understanding First Amendment protections,” said Calvert. “There is no constitutional right to tweet or post on Facebook.”

According to Calvert, “Private companies, like a publisher of a newspaper, are able to determine what can be posted on their platforms and what can’t. They offer terms of service, which consumers agree to abide by.”

He adds, “It’s this violation of terms of service that Twitter, Facebook and others have said is the reason they blocked Trump using their platforms. In fact, it’s the First Amendment that gives these private companies the right to moderate their platforms.”

Posted: January 12, 2021
Category: College News, Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project News
Tagged as: Clay Calvert, Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project