Free Speech on the Internet - Does it exist?

As a government communicator I believe in free speech, I often struggle with labeling hate speech and misinformation as free speech. Our jobs as Public Information Officers, is to act on the best interests of our employer, while balancing transparency with censorship. In today's climate, America is divided and there are factions who have reclassified the vile language of hate and blatant lies as acceptable forms of free speech. It's clear that the former platform twitter (now X) has now been "liberated" and free speech, along with hate and lies are soaked into everyone's algorithm. Although I'm not an advocate for this type of discourse, unfortunately both hate speech and misinformation are protected under the First Amendment.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

This amendment is foundational to the American republic, establishing the bedrock principle of free expression. Its relevance to censorship, particularly in the modern landscape of digital communication, is profound and multifaceted.

Here are three critical reasons why the Internet should not be viewed as an absolute vehicle of free speech:

1. Corporate Censorship

The internet is largely dominated by a handful of corporations that control the applications we use daily. Companies like Google, have terms of service and community guidelines that dictate what can and cannot be shared. While these rules are designed to create safe online environments, they can also lead to corporate censorship, where content is removed or restricted based on vague criteria. This corporate influence raises questions about who gets to decide what constitutes acceptable speech and highlights that, in many cases, free speech is contingent upon adhering to the random standards set by private entities.

2. Algorithmic Censorship

Beyond direct moderation, the algorithms that govern content visibility on social media platforms also play a critical role in shaping discourse. These algorithms prioritize certain types of content, often based on engagement metrics, which can inadvertently suppress voices that do not conform to popular trends or narratives. For example, nuanced discussions about complex social issues may struggle to gain traction, while sensational or polarizing content thrives. This creates an environment where the loudest voices dominate, leading to the silencing of diverse perspectives. As algorithms continuously evolve to maximize user engagement, they inadvertently shape public discourse and limit the diversity of opinions that can be heard, thus compromising the essence of free speech.

3. Platform Censorship

Finally, platform censorship is another significant barrier to free speech online. Social media companies like X, Facebook, TikTok, and content-sharing platforms wield the power to ban users or delete content that they deem violates their policies. This can often lead to the silencing of marginalized voices or those that challenge the status quo. For instance, during political upheavals, dissenting opinions may be swiftly removed under the guise of “protecting community standards.” While the intention may be to prevent misinformation or hate speech, the reality is that such actions can stifle critical dialogue and dissent. The gatekeeping role that platforms occupy raises serious concerns about the potential for abuse and the chilling effect on free expression.

In conclusion, while the internet has opened new avenues for communication, it is essential to recognize that free speech is not as unfettered as it may seem. The interplay of corporate, algorithmic, and platform censorship demonstrates that the environment in which our speech exists can be heavily regulated by private interests. As we navigate today's digital landscape, we must remember that “free speech isn’t free.” An historical example of this is the Sedition Act of 1798, which made it illegal to criticize the government, illustrating that the right to free expression has always been subject to limitations and control. The challenge moving forward is to advocate for a digital landscape that genuinely upholds the principles of free speech for all, regardless of the platforms used to express it. Below is an interesting video by Berkman Klien Center For Internet and Society that dives into internet censorship and how it happens.

Thomas Y. Lynch

"The internet is not a public sphere...it is a private sphere that tolerates public speech." -Clay Shirky