Free speech is a universal human right that encompasses the freedom to articulate and share one's ideas, opinions, and beliefs without censorship or restraint from the government or other authorities. It is protected by various international and national laws, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. In the context of the internet, free speech includes the right to express oneself online through various digital platforms.

Free speech on the internet is vital for various reasons. Free speech online preserves democracy by fostering an open marketplace of ideas and encouraging diverse viewpoints, robust public discourse, and informed decision-making. It also promotes innovation and creativity as people can freely explore new concepts, collaborate, and build upon each other's work. Free speech plays a significant role in promoting social progress and advocating for human rights globally, empowering marginalized groups and activists to raise awareness and mobilize support for their causes. Moreover, it aids in countering misinformation by allowing diverse voices to challenge and debunk false information through fact-checking and open debate. Lastly, free speech protects privacy and anonymity, enabling individuals to express themselves safely, particularly in repressive regimes or when facing personal threats.

Unrestricted free speech, however, can lead to the proliferation of harmful and hate-filled content, which can incite violence, promote discrimination, and negatively impact vulnerable communities online and offline. The internet also provides a platform for cyberbullying and online harassment, as well as a platform for hategroups to organize and spread extremist ideologies. Curbing free speech in such instances can protect individuals from harmful and damaging behavior.

Furthermore, while free speech can counter misinformation, it can also be used to disseminate false or harmful information, which may have severe consequences for public health, safety, and political stability. This issue was extremely apparent during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Misinformation on the virus spread just as quickly as it did. Online, political figures and influencers voices drowned out those of public health authorities and scientists. This disgrace to modern medicine put vulnerable communities at risk of violence and illness. Mian and Khan, (2020). wrote about a "remedy" for the Covid-19 virus circulating social media platforms which claimed that ingesting a chlorine dioxide solution would kill the virus. They noted, "The American Food and Drug Administration has previously served severe warnings against this, as it causes severe vomiting, life-threatening low blood pressure, and acute liver failure."

Finally, as the online landscape expands, so does the distribution of harmful content such as child pornography, revenge porn, and human trafficking advertisements. In 2022, the Internet Watch Foundation investigated 375,230 reports and confirmed that 255,588 of those reports containined child sexual abuse material (CSAM), or advertised it. (Internet Watch Foundation, 2022. p. 3). Recent trends have found the material to be more violent and more accessible than ever. Fortunately, organizations such as IWF work to investigate and remove CSAM reported to them and modern technology is becoming better at detecting and censoring this kind of content. Susie Hargreaves OBE, Chief Executive Officer of IWF emphasizes the importance of "proper legislation and well-resourced law enforcement" and "tech companies doing everything possible to prevent the upload and distribution of images so they can't be shared." (Hargreaves, 2022. p. 18).

In conclusion, while I believe preserving free speech is crucial for promoting democracy, innovation, and human rights, many safety concerns arise from a lack of restrictions. We should aim to strike the right balance between free expression and responsible regulation. Legislation and guidelines that target specific harmful behaviors, such as hate speech, cyberbullying, misinformation, and exploitation material while safeguarding individuals' privacy and anonymity, are more likely to maintain a healthy internet environment for all users. Policymakers should aim to create a comprehensive framework that protects free speech while addressing and punishing its misuse online.

Are you agree or disagre? Can you use critical thinking skills to justify your position.