Post in Is the Internet legally a "public forum?" Limited public forums and e-government

Mar 13 20:05 UTC

A few questions:

1. In the U.S. context does anyone know if the courts have found the Internet
to be a "public forum" like courts recognize public sidewalks or public parks
as "places" historically recognized for free speech.

2. I've noticed a number of government websites with policy statements
attempting to establish that their websites are not "limited (or designated)
public forums." I bumped into one federal government online consultation that
declared a limited public forum online for X days. Does anyone know of research
in this area?

(Due to the power of "one-way" e-government, I can imagine citizens pushing for
two-way "designated public forums" on government websites within the context of
public meeting agenda items for example in my lifetime.)

3. Is anyone aware of similar legal or court established concepts of "public
forum" outside of the U.S.?

Thanks,
Steven Clift
E-Democracy.Org