In reply to Isa.

Whether or not the WP plugin directory is a public square is only relevant if Congress (or state or local govt) is trying to block access to WP plugin directory. Congress can’t remove the Z public from WP plugin directory. WordPress can.

Re public square: in an 8-0 decision, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2017 that the Internet is similar to a public forum and that social media is protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees every person’s right to free speech.

What that meant, in that decision, (which was about a N.C. sex offender being denied access to social media where minors might be found), is that the government cannot limit who can log onto social media channels, including those convicted of crimes.

While the internet is deemed a public square, Facebook, Twitter, other social media companies in the public square are private companies. The First Amendment does not prohibit private individuals, companies and employers from restricting speech. The social media platforms responsible for suspending President Trump’s accounts are privately owned and operated, and they are free to limit the content on their sites without implicating the First Amendment.

So the government could not prohibit Lester Gerard Packingham from accessing the internet (and whatever he might find on the internet) individual social media companies could indeed suspend his account, as they do to thousands of users every day.

And, finally, boycotts are protected speech. The right to engage in commerce, social intercourse, and friendship includes the implied right not to engage in commerce, social intercourse, and friendship.