Cyberbully Law in North Carolina Violates Free Speech

Law aimed at preventing cyberbullying was ruled unconstitutional by North Carolina Supreme Court because it restricted “content based” speech.

State v. Bishop, N.C., No. 223PA15, 6/10/16.

    North Carolina Supreme Court overturned its appellate court, ruling that a law making it a crime to post on the Internet “private, personal, or sexual information pertaining to a minor” with the intent to “intimidate or torment” was unconstitutional. While the appellate court found that the law regulated non-expressive conduct, the supreme court found that it restricted content-based speech. The court further held that the law was not narrowly tailored to serve the state’s purpose in preventing cyberbullying, thereby violating the First Amendment.

http://src.bna.com/fNW