East County News Service

Photo: Creative Commons by S.A.

In landmark decision, court rules that hateful online trolling can constitute interference with the equal enjoyment of public accommodations

August 9, 2019 (Washington D.C.) -- Today the United States District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that white supremacists who used social media to threaten and harass the first African American female student body president of American University were liable for over $700,000 in damages and attorneys’ fees.

“This ruling is historic in that it marks the first time that a court has deemed racist online trolling activity that can interfere with one’s equal access to a public accommodation. The Court’s ruling recognizes the real-world damage done when bigots take to the internet to target and threaten African Americans and other people of color,” said Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “This ruling should send a strong message to other white supremacists that they can and will be held accountable for hateful activity that constitutes unlawful discrimination, no matter whether it occurs online or in the real world.”   

By Miriam Raftery

May 31, 2016 (San Diego) – A lawsuit filed against Twitter, Facebook and Google by a Jewish youth group in France in April has resulted in major social media and Internet companies pledging to remove hate speech in 24 hours or less after a complaint is filed.  The firms named in the suit, along with Microsoft, issued the promise in a joint statement with the European Commission today, Bloomberg News reports.

May 15, 2013 (San Diego) – OASIS is hosting a technology fair on May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Macy’s in Mission Valley, 7017 Friars Road.  The event will help local adults 50 and older learn how to use social media and today’s technology, including smart phones and tablets.  Various technology experts will be presenting 30 minute sessions as well as one-on-one coaching.

Attendees will be able to attend a variety of classes, attend a hands-on computer lab session and get individual help from tech experts.  Lunch will be available and a raffle for prizes will follow.

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