If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 18:34
If you’re wondering why free speech doesn’t apply to the internet, it’s because you have no right to use other people’s stuff for free.
You have freedom of speech. If I loan you my computer, I can tell you not to use it for certain things, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.
Freedom of speech does not apply to:
Your Android phone just got a major feature upgrade for free - including these Pixel models - ZDNET
Revenge porn
And much, much more.
Conspiracy
HIPAA violations
Revealing classified information
Trade secrets
Google quietly released an app that lets you download and run AI models locally - TechCrunch
Threats of violence
Insurrection
False advertising
U.S. budget deficit hit $316 billion in May, with annual shortfall up 14% from a year ago - CNBC
You have freedom to travel. If I loan you my car, I can tell you not to take it out of town, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.
No freedom is absolute.
Child pornography
What is the appeal of vampire stories and why are they popular in various forms of media?
Perjury
Terroristic threats
Fraud
Common herbal supplement linked to deadly liver disease - Times of India
That’s what it is. You have no right to use other people’s stuff. If people let you use their stuff, they can tell you how you can use it, and they can tell you to stop using it any time they want.
Insider trading