Norwegian Sex Offender Appeals Snapchat Ban to Supreme Court, Citing Human Rights

A convicted sex offender in Norway is appealing to the country's Supreme Court, arguing that a ban on using the Snapchat messaging app violates his human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. The offender, who was sentenced to 13 months in prison for molesting a minor, used Snapchat to connect with young boys.

The offender's lawyers contend that depriving him of his Snapchat account is unlawful, as social media has become vital for freedom of expression, even though the court must decide the case through laws that predate such sites. "Depriving our client of his Snapchat account is an unjustified restriction on his right to freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights," the lawyers stated.

The Norwegian Appeal Court had previously upheld the two-year Snapchat ban, arguing it was "proportionately measured" against the fact that the offender used the app to sexually exploit children. However, the case now heads to the Supreme Court, which will issue its ruling in the coming weeks.

Why this matters: The case raises significant questions about the extent to which the state can restrict access to social media platforms, which have become essential tools for exercising the right to freedom of expression in the modern era. The Supreme Court's decision could set an important precedent for balancing public safety concerns with individual rights in the digital age.

If the Supreme Court upholds the Snapchat ban, the offender could attempt to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. The European Convention on Human Rights has been used before to challenge the limits of Norwegian justice, such as in the case of Anders Behring Breivik, the far-right extremist who murdered 77 people in 2011.

The Supreme Court's ruling on the sex offender's appeal will be closely watched, as it confronts the complex intersection of human rights, public safety, and the role of social media in contemporary society. The decision could have far-reaching implications for how courts across Europe handle similar cases involving restrictions on digital platforms for convicted criminals.

Key Takeaways

• A convicted sex offender in Norway appeals to Supreme Court to access Snapchat.
• Lawyers argue social media is vital for freedom of expression, despite prior convictions.
• Norwegian court upheld 2-year Snapchat ban, citing proportionate measure against exploitation.
• Supreme Court's decision could set precedent for balancing rights and public safety online.
• Ruling may be appealed to European Court of Human Rights if Snapchat ban is upheld.