Inc. v. America Online Cyber Promotions Inc. - Significance, Private Restriction On Internet Speech Is Valid, Impact, Related Cases, Further Readings
plaintiff defendant amendment mail
Plaintiff
Cyber Promotions, Inc.
Defendant
America Online, Inc.
Plaintiff's Claim
That the defendant's blocking of e-mail advertisements sent by the plaintiff to the defendant's customers violated the plaintiff's right to free speech under the First Amendment.
Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff
Ralph A. Jacobs
Chief Defense Lawyer
Ronald P. Schiller
Judge
Charles R. Weiner
Place
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date of Decision
4 November 1996
Decision
That because the defendant was a private company, rather than a public actor, its blocking of the plaintiff's e-mail advertisements did not violate the First Amendment; the First Amendment only prevents public officials from restricting freedom of speech, not private actors.
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