US Supreme Court shoots down cases on social media liability

Family and supporters of Nohemi Gonzalez gather on the steps of the Supreme Court in February, as they presented a case that sought to hold Google liable for hosting content from violent groups [File: Alex Brandon/AP Photo]

The United States Supreme Court has handed a set of victories to internet and social media companies, ruling against or sidestepping claims that the companies can be held liable for the content posted on their sites.

On Thursday, the court unanimously reversed a lower-court decision that allowed a case to proceed involving allegations that Twitter and other platforms had aided and abetted the ISIL (ISIS) armed group.