Free Speech

1. Freedom of expression is essential for human flourishing and democracy

"We—all human beings—must be free and able to express ourselves, and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas, regardless of frontiers".

Fundamental human right. Freedom of expression is not merely one among many freedoms, but the foundational right upon which all others depend. It allows us to fully realize our humanity, understand others, seek truth, and participate in self-government. This freedom enables us to:

• Develop our individual identities
• Challenge authority and expose wrongdoing
• Engage in democratic deliberation and decision-making
• Foster creativity, innovation, and scientific progress

Historical context. The struggle for free speech has been ongoing throughout history, from ancient Athens to the digital age. Key milestones include:

• The Enlightenment and arguments by philosophers like John Stuart Mill
• Constitutional protections like the First Amendment in the United States
• International agreements like Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2. The internet has transformed the landscape of free speech

"We are all neighbours now. There are more phones than there are human beings and close to half of humankind has access to the internet."

Global connectivity. The internet has created an unprecedented global public sphere, allowing billions to communicate across borders. This transformation has:

• Democratized publishing, enabling anyone to reach a global audience
• Challenged traditional gatekeepers of information
• Created new platforms for marginalized voices
• Accelerated the spread of both information and misinformation

New challenges. While expanding opportunities for free expression, the digital age has also introduced new complexities:

• Content moderation dilemmas for social media platforms
• Jurisdictional issues in applying speech laws across borders
• The amplification of extreme voices and "echo chambers"
• The need for digital literacy to navigate the information landscape

3. Violence and threats are the greatest enemies of free expression

"We neither make threats of violence nor accept violent intimidation".

The assassin's veto. Violence and threats of violence pose the most serious threat to free speech, creating a chilling effect that silences voices. Examples include:

• Attacks on journalists and writers
• Death threats against controversial speakers
• Self-censorship due to fear of reprisal

Responding to threats. Societies must take a firm stance against violent intimidation by:

• Providing protection for threatened individuals
• Prosecuting those who make credible threats
• Refusing to capitulate to demands made under threat of violence
• Fostering a culture of solidarity with those facing threats

4. Knowledge and trustworthy media are crucial for informed decision-making

"We require uncensored, diverse, trustworthy media so we can make well-informed decisions and participate fully in political life".

The fourth estate. A free and independent press is essential for democracy, serving as a watchdog on power and informing the public. Key elements include:

• Diverse sources of information
• Investigative journalism
• Fact-checking and editorial standards
• Protection of journalistic sources

Challenges to quality information. The digital age has disrupted traditional media models, leading to:

• The decline of local newspapers
• The rise of "fake news" and misinformation
• Increased polarization of news sources
• The need for new business models to support quality journalism

5. Diversity requires both openness and robust civility in discourse

"We express ourselves openly and with robust civility about all kinds of human difference".

Navigating difference. In an increasingly diverse world, we must learn to discuss our differences openly while maintaining civility. This involves:

• Acknowledging and exploring our differences
• Developing empathy and understanding for others
• Engaging in respectful dialogue across cultural divides
• Balancing free expression with social harmony

Beyond hate speech laws. While many countries have adopted hate speech laws, there are arguments for focusing on social norms rather than legal restrictions:

• Hate speech laws can be abused or applied inconsistently
• They may inadvertently reinforce group identities
• Counterspeech and education can be more effective in changing attitudes
• Robust debate can help expose and challenge prejudices

6. Religion poses unique challenges to free speech

"We respect the believer but not necessarily the content of the belief".

Balancing freedom and respect. Religious beliefs often conflict with principles of free expression, leading to tensions such as:

• Blasphemy laws in some countries
• Controversies over depictions of religious figures
• Clashes between religious doctrines and secular values

Navigating religious sensitivities. Societies must find ways to:

• Protect freedom of and from religion
• Encourage interfaith dialogue and understanding
• Distinguish between criticism of ideas and attacks on individuals
• Foster a culture of mutual respect without sacrificing free inquiry

7. Privacy and secrecy must be balanced with transparency

"We must be able to protect our privacy and to counter slurs on our reputations, but not prevent scrutiny that is in the public interest".

The right to privacy. In the digital age, protecting personal information has become increasingly challenging. Key issues include:

• Data collection by tech companies and governments
• The "right to be forgotten" online
• Balancing privacy with security concerns
• Protecting whistleblowers and journalistic sources

Transparency and accountability. At the same time, free societies require transparency in:

• Government operations
• Corporate practices
• Public figures' actions

The challenge is to strike the right balance between these competing interests.

8. The internet's architecture affects free speech and must be protected

"We defend the internet and other systems of communication against illegitimate encroachments by both public and private powers".

Digital infrastructure. The technical design of the internet has profound implications for free speech. Key principles to defend include:

• Net neutrality
• Open standards and protocols
• Decentralized architecture
• Encryption and privacy-enhancing technologies

Threats to internet freedom. Various forces seek to restrict or control online communication:

• Government censorship and surveillance
• Corporate walled gardens and content controls
• Cyber attacks and infrastructure manipulation

Protecting the open internet requires ongoing vigilance and advocacy.

9. Individual courage is necessary to defend free expression

"We decide for ourselves and face the consequences".

Personal responsibility. Ultimately, free speech depends on individuals willing to:

• Speak truth to power
• Stand up for others' right to speak
• Face social, professional, or legal consequences for expression
• Engage in difficult conversations across differences

Fostering a free speech culture. Societies can encourage courageous expression by:

• Celebrating free speech heroes and whistleblowers
• Teaching critical thinking and media literacy
• Creating safe spaces for controversial discussions
• Modeling respectful disagreement in public discourse

Last updated: November 19, 2024