Does free speech apply to the internet?
The freedom of speech guarantees the rights of free expression in the first amendment. I believe that all of people's posts are helping to form our society, giving everyone's opinion to something. Even if the government tried to have restrictions on what people said on the internet, people still wouldn't fully follow these rules. If the government had restrictions on the internet, that would be an invasion of our privacy and would be against that America is a free country. Who would want to take away the foundation of The United States?
The government must protect the citizens' right to speak freely even if it's anonymously online. According to Gary Shapiro, the CEO of The Consumer Electronics Association, says that keeping America's internet uncensored is vital to protect and perpetuate free speech. He states that it provides a way to express yourself and say whatever is on your mind. He also says that it gives people a chance to share openly with people who may not agree on a subject.
According to Electronic Frontier Foundation, speech thrives online, which should be freed of limitations. It also says that if laws can censor us to limit our access to certain information, or restrict use of communication, the the internet's incredible potential will go unrealized. We have to ensure that the internet remains uncensored and freely express ourselves, and we need to teach others to do the same.
If you put something on the internet, you need to know that you can handle what someone says about it. You are allowed to express yourself on the internet without the government interfering for now. Although, the government does restrict our freedom of speech on the internet to a certain degree for things like cyber bullying. Adam Thierer, a researcher at George Mason University, tells us that the government did try to forbid free speech or expression on the internet before, but got struck down making for a more open and diverse internet/society. The basic freedoms of speech don't vary between different types of communication.
There are many risks for the internet, but how can the government restrict internet use? I believe you have the right to express yourself on the internet. When you go online, it only makes sense for your rights to go with you. The government should not be able to restrict what you put on the internet, you have the right to your own opinion. I mean, it's not like you have to put anything on the internet though. If you can't handle someone's opinion on something you post, then simply don't post it. The internet can be an amazing thing, you just have to use it the right way.
By: Luke Wheatley
