But when Trump blocks critics from reading and replying to his tweets, it violates protections guaranteed under the 1st Amendment, say free speech attorneys. But calling Twitter a public forum may be a stretch, legally speaking, said Michael Overing, a lawyer and adjunct professor at USC who specializes in 1st Amendment law. Overing said courts would most likely deem a public forum a physical venue like a park or town hall, not a social media platform. “Twitter certainly doesn’t want to be a public forum,” Overing said. Blocked users also don’t have an opportunity to engage with Trump’s tweets, creating an environment where dissent is stifled in the replies.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 06, 2017 22:37 UTC