Media

Las Vegas Judge Denies Ethics Violations Amid Controversial Social Media Posts

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LAS VEGAS, Nevada – A Las Vegas judge is facing ethics charges over her social media posts, but she denies any violation of ethical rules. Clark County District Court Judge Erika Ballou, represented by attorney Tom Pitaro, argues that her posts were protected speech and intended as private jokes. The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline filed a formal statement of charges against Ballou in January, referencing a photo of her in a hot tub with two public defenders. Ballou is accused of violating multiple rules related to promoting public confidence, avoiding impropriety, and demonstrating impartiality. … Read more

Judge Allows Wrongful Death Lawsuit to Proceed Against Social Media Platforms in Wake of Buffalo Mass Shooting

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — A judge in New York state has denied a motion to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit filed against several social media platforms for their alleged contribution to the radicalization of Payton Gendron, the gunman responsible for a mass shooting at a Buffalo grocery store in 2022. The judge’s decision allows the lawsuit to move forward, according to court documents. Erie County Supreme Court Justice Paula Feroleto stated that the complaint sufficiently pleads viable causes of action at this stage of the litigation. The plaintiffs argue that social media companies like Meta, Alphabet, … Read more

Social Media Giants Reddit and YouTube Ordered to Face Lawsuits over Buffalo Mass Shooting

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Buffalo, New York – Reddit and Google’s YouTube are facing legal action after a New York state judge ruled that the social media platforms can be held responsible for their alleged role in enabling a white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a grocery store shooting in 2022. The decision by Justice Paula Feroleto of the Erie County Supreme Court allows 25 plaintiffs, including store employees, customers, and the son of one of the victims, to proceed with lawsuits against the platforms. The plaintiffs claim that Reddit and YouTube designed their platforms to addict … Read more

Supreme Court to Hear Landmark Cases on Free Speech and Social Media: What it Means for Online Expression

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a series of cases involving free speech and social media this year. One case in particular, Murthy v. Missouri, has drawn attention as it revolves around President Joe Biden’s administration urging platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook to remove posts spreading misinformation about the pandemic and the 2020 presidential election. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, and five social media users are bringing the lawsuit, arguing that the government exceeded its authority and violated constitutional free speech rights by censoring posts … Read more