Blogs, YouTube prompt campaign finance ruling [CNET News]
Much has been made in political circles about this week's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that invalidated portions of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform act, but overlooked by most of the mainstream press was the historical nature of the ruling with respect to technology. This article from CNET observes that this Supreme Court opinion was the very first to include the words "blog" and the video sharing site "YouTube."
Technology was referenced in the majority opinion by Justice Anthony Kennedy to describe the changing media environment with respect to political campaigns. In the past, if someone wanted to put their political views in front of voters, they might buy television advertising or purchase an ad in a newspaper. While both of these activities are still one way of reaching out to voters, others, such as posting on a blog or uploading a video to YouTube, have quickly become more mainstream.
In his opinion, Justice Kennedy said:
"Rapid changes in technology--and the creative dynamic inherent in the concept of free expression--counsel against upholding a law that restricts political speech in certain media or by certain speakers. Today, 30-second television ads may be the most effective way to convey a political message. Soon, however, it may be that Internet sources, such as blogs and social-networking Web sites, will provide citizens with significant information about political candidates and issues."
While I'm sure that opinions on this ruling run the entire gamut, it is noteworthy that the highest court in the land is considering the implications of technology and how it is used in making important decisions about the law.
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