If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 06:43
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.
No freedom is absolute.
Child pornography
What legal actions can be taken if a neighbor's unleashed dog causes harm or injury?
Threats of violence
Insurrection
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.
False advertising
Freedom of speech does not apply to:
HIPAA violations
Why did the Soviet Jews hate the Soviet Union?
Revealing classified information
Revenge porn
Insider trading
Why don't men find fat women attractive?
Conspiracy
Perjury
Fraud
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 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.
And much, much more.
Trade secrets
Terroristic threats