State law bans registered sex offenders from social media websites during their probation period, which for some, can last for decades.
It applies to sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, even if the offense didn’t involve a computer.
But the Illinois Supreme Court ruled this week that violates First Amendment rights.
During September’s oral arguments, defense attorney Zachary Rosen told the court other state laws already regulate communication between registered sex offenders and minors.
Both in real space and in cyberspace, there is an exception for family members, but that's it. It says do not talk to minors in public, do not talk with them on the Internet, do not write with them. Do not interact with them," Rosen said.
Rosen argued that banning them from social media interferes with their ability to keep up on current events, look for jobs and voice political opinions.
The court agreed that the “protective value” of keeping offenders off social media does not outweigh their free speech rights or opportunity for rehabilitation.
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