Free speech inspires individuals and groups to not hide their personalities. Everyone is different, and having free speech makes people unique. Lawalways covers a lot of stories related to the extension and nullification of free speech. New threats emerge every day, and it is up to you to recognize their intent.
1. Apathy
Indifference is the biggest threat to free speech in the world. This is common when someone has given up on the idea of seeing change. When apathy sets in, it is infectious in large groups. Nothing stifles free speech like a group of individuals that don’t care enough to use it. Before indifference sets in, try to look at different sides of an argument.
2. Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality has been a hot topic for years, and is not going away anytime soon. Without Net Neutrality, ISP’s can control content as they see fit. This means blocking platforms and slowing down speeds to content that doesn’t fit their vision. Net Neutrality is always challenged, so the fight continues to rage on.
3. Self-Censorship
Nothing stifles free speech like self-censorship. In some ways, this can be worse than apathy. Individuals that self-censor are closing off a portion of their personality to strangers, loved ones and family. There is nothing wrong with using tact, but there is something wrong with stifling your free speech. When you are constantly thinking of ways to not be yourself, then there is a deeper problem that needs to be figured out.
4. Political Correctness
Political correctness is common in a professional workplace. In more casual settings, political correctness can turn into a massive over correction. No one wants conflict, but there are times where using preference with words will cause an even greater problem. You can’t control what offends a person, but you can learn how to use tact.
5. Video Game Regulation
Gambling, violence and nudity are three things that remain a hot button topic in the industry. This is a tale as old as time, with government officials saying that video game violence is an epidemic. The ESRB rating symbols was created as a compromise, but has had some pushback. Some groups feel this isn’t enough, and the entire industry needs to be regulated for content. When that happens, then the video game industry will become a completely different type of entertainment medium.
6. Social Media
Social media provides the best platform possible for free speech to individuals, groups, and companies. But as private companies, they also have the right to ban content they don’t like. This creates problems on many fronts when social media adopts a ‘rules for thee but none for me’ rhetoric with their blocking. When private companies are not consistent with the content they block, it can be considered a breach of free speech. If you are located in the United States and you think that your right to free speech has been unlawfully infringed by a social media provider, be sure to get in contact with a reputable first amendment attorney as soon as possible.
7. Takedowns
DMCA takedowns are becoming more common as large companies try to regulate the internet. This creates problems from the top down with content creators that depend on the income from a platform. DMCA takedowns often favor brands, and as a result stifle the free speech of individuals or smaller groups.
Wrap Up
Free speech is a right that everyone should exercise when given a chance. When someone tries to suppress your free speech, you’re giving them more than an inch. Know your rights so that your voice is always heard.