What are the limits?

Freedom of Speech is NOT paramount if it impinges upon the freedoms/rights of others

CENSORSHIP

“everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.”

European Convention on Human Rights, Article 10 Pt I.

Libertarianism

A political viewpoint demanding the greatest possible individual freedom from state control.

Its counterpoint is Censorship, This derives its authority from the State and is implicitly authoritarian,

Reasons for Censorship

Protection of a vested interest

The Church – attempts to censor faced with dissent and the Reformation eg Galileo

(Printing Press)

China – Google agreement to limit internet access (Internet)

INTERNET

Extends information flows Speed of communication of ideas Quality of information Diversity of opinion De-coding “events” for more people Open access

BUT all of the above can be potentially limited by government and corporate interests.

Government Censorship of Free Speech

Legal Injunctions (where based under its jurisdiction)

controversial case Heckenkamp 2002-4

Blocking transmission when the “speaker” is overseas (Peter Wright “Spycatcher”) was easier in the pre-Internet age,

Private Restrictions on Free Speech

Libel cases, restriction orders, (Prince Charles injunction) etc to prevent publication

Self-imposed restriction – fear of job insecurity, PC

Private means of Censorship

Restricting information through:

Failing to be impartial

Lack of Diversity

Responding to social pressure

CONCLUSIONS

The right to freedom of speech carries with it commensurate responsibilities.

Censorship is sometimes justified for reasons of security or responses to specific societal issues

The use of censorship by government and vested interests should always be subject to scrutiny

New Technology has raised significant issues regarding the promotion of the libertarian view.