"Like" on Facebook is protected by the U.S. Constitution ... - IOnline

Do a “like” on Facebook is a form of freedom of expression and is now protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

court reversed its initial decision, according to which the “like” on Facebook would not have words to merit constitutional protection.

The case that led to this change relates to a sheriff in the state of Virginia that recandidatou the post in 2009. Their delegates, unhappy with the application, did “like” on the Facebook page of the opposing candidate. The sheriff just reelected and delegates were dismissed. They brought the case to court, claiming they had the right to express a preference for another candidate. At the time, the court ruled that a “taste” would not be the same as a publication, not to verbalize thoughts and intentions.

However, this week an appellate court ruled in favor of the complainants, making no distinction between just a “taste” and a publication on Facebook.

The court’s decision also claims to do “like” a campaign page on Facebook is “the equivalent on the Internet to put a political poster in the front yard, something the Supreme Court has held to be substantive discourse.”

The court added that the sheriff will not have to pay compensation because it is protected by the 11th Amendment, which limits the scope of processes delivered against public office holders.