The Brief
- The Polk County Commission is voting on a plan to shut down public comment sections across all its official social media accounts.
- Commissioner Bill Braswell proposed the resolution to stop the spread of what the board calls harmful misinformation, vulgarity and personal attacks.
- Free speech advocates say that while the move limits public expression online, the government is fully compliant with the First Amendment.
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Polk County Commission is scheduled to vote Tuesday morning on a resolution that would completely shut down the public comment sections across all of its official social media platforms to halt the spread of harmful misinformation.
Polk County social media changes
What we know:
Commissioner Bill Braswell initiated the discussion after the county’s comment sections became hotbeds for incorrect information, personal attacks, and vulgar comments. The county says this online behavior creates confusion and undermines the main purpose of the pages, which is to provide the public with accurate information regarding emergencies and road closures.
Residents will still be able to participate and share their opinions in person during the public comment periods at official county meetings.
The free speech debate
The other side:…