Justices weigh online reach of 1988 video privacy statute

The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Salazar v. Paramount Global on whether a 1988 video privacy law covers modern internet services. The justices also granted the FCC's request to pause a lower-court ruling in a dispute over discounted political advertising rates. The court is separately considering a Trump administration request involving healthcare and accommodations for transgender federal inmates.

Justice Clarence Thomas marked 35 years since his confirmation; in May he became the second-longest-serving member of the Court. On Wednesday, the justices heard Salazar v. Paramount Global, the October sitting’s last argument, about whether a 1988 privacy law passed after a nominee’s rental records were reported applies to online services.

Later that day, the Court paused an appeals court order that would have forced the FCC to act quickly on a challenge to its notice granting discounted political ad rates to parties and joint fundraising committees. Sotomayor and Jackson would have denied both requests. The justices meet privately tomorrow; Monday orders are expected at 9:30 EDT. The Trump administration’s transgender inmate healthcare request is fully briefed.

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