Regulating Free Speech in a Digital Age: Hate, Harm and the Limits of Censorship

Governments must protect citizens from harmful communication that incites discrimination,active hostility,and violence,while balancing the right to freedom of expression. This book discusses practical and moral challenges regarding internet governance and freedom of speech,and proposes counter-speech strategies as alternatives to censorship and criminalization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 229 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Hateful thoughts and words have the potential to manifest into harmful actions, as witnessed in the tragic terrorist attack on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March 2019. In free, open, and democratic societies, governments cannot justifiably regulate the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, or values of their citizens. However, they do hold a responsibility to safeguard citizens from harmful communication that incites discrimination, active hostility, and violence.

Written by a public policy advisor for fellow practitioners in politics and public life, this book delves into significant practical and moral challenges regarding internet governance and freedom of speech, particularly in responding to content that is legal but harmful. Policymakers and professionals working for governmental institutions must find a fair balance between protecting individuals from harm and preserving the right to freedom of expression. Recognizing that merely passing laws alone cannot solve complex social problems, governments must invest resources, rather than solely regulate.

Governments, big tech companies, the private sector, civil society, individual citizens, and the fourth estate all play pivotal roles in addressing these issues. Counter-speech, a collective responsibility, is essential in combating hate speech and preserving civility.

This book addresses challenging questions about internet governance, hate speech, cancel culture, and the loss of civility. It employs principled pragmatism to address perplexing policy problems and presents counter-speech strategies as alternatives and complements to censorship and criminalization. By exploring these topics, this book aims to contribute to the ongoing discussions and efforts to shape a more inclusive and respectful digital environment.

Weight: 391g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030955526
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022