Appeal of Surveillance Tech CEO's Meritless Lawsuit Against Journalist Fails
11 hours ago
- EFF supports reporters facing meritless lawsuits intended to silence negative coverage, highlighting such actions as attacks on free speech.
- California Court of Appeals upheld dismissal of former Premise Data CEO Maury Blackman's lawsuit against journalist Jack Poulson over reporting on a sealed arrest record.
- The court ruled that the First Amendment protects lawfully obtained truthful publication unless there is a compelling state interest, which Blackman's privacy claims did not meet.
- Poulson was also protected by California's Shield Law, building on EFF precedent from 2006, and platforms like Substack were shielded by Section 230 for hosting content.
- This decision is a victory for free speech, Poulson, and the public, reinforcing anti-SLAPP protections against strategic lawsuits meant to intimidate journalists.