Freedom of Speech - Revision history

Fractalguy at 18:47, 20 January 2025

2025-01-20T18:47:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 20 January 2025
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	[[File:Freedom-of-speech-digital-platform-moderation-social-norms.jpg\|thumb\|Facebook moderators can't stop a cardboard sign]]		[[File:Freedom-of-speech-digital-platform-moderation-social-norms.jpg\|thumb\|Facebook moderators can't stop a cardboard sign]]
	Freedom of speech is the cornerstone to [[democracy]]. Being able to share [[ideas]] without the fear of official retribution is absolutely necessary if [[society]] is to improve, as there can be no improvement without criticism of the status quo.		Freedom of speech is the cornerstone to [[democracy]]. Being able to share [[ideas]] without the fear of official retribution is absolutely necessary if [[society]] is to improve, as there can be no improvement without criticism of the status quo.<blockquote>''“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.”'' -[[wikipedia:Søren_Kierkegaard\|Søren Kierkegaard]]</blockquote>

	== No Right to Platforms ==		== No Right to Platforms ==

Fractalguy: /* Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion */

2024-12-31T12:02:19Z

Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 {{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghTL5gU6fs||center|Social Media and Hate Speech: Who Gets to Decide?|frame}}
 <br>
 {{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R49d4f5sEs4||center||frame}}

Fractalguy at 11:47, 31 December 2024

2024-12-31T11:47:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 31 December 2024
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	If [[social norms]] and [[platform]] moderation are able to prevent the widespread dissemination of [[hate speech]], then legal limits may not be necessary. This gives people the sense of [[freedom]] to know that they could publish a pro-Nazi manifesto if they wanted to, but nobody would have any [[incentive]] to do so.		If [[social norms]] and [[platform]] moderation are able to prevent the widespread dissemination of [[hate speech]], then legal limits may not be necessary. This gives people the sense of [[freedom]] to know that they could publish a pro-Nazi manifesto if they wanted to, but nobody would have any [[incentive]] to do so.

			{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelwG1pTDv0\|\|center\|Germany's Online Hate Speech Laws: Protecting Free Speech While Fighting Online Hate?\|frame}}

	== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==		== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==

Fractalguy: /* Legal Limits on Free Speech */

2024-12-31T11:45:58Z

Legal Limits on Free Speech

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 31 December 2024
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	Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|shout "fire" in a theater]] because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.		Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|shout "fire" in a theater]] because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.

	More nuance is required when discussing topics like [[racism]], or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these [[Lies are Free\|lies]] by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.		More nuance is required when discussing topics like [[racism]], or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response.

			In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these [[Lies are Free\|lies]] by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts like [[conspiracy theories]] used to, without the need for official limitations on free speech.

	== Legal Limits on Free Speech ==		== Legal Limits on Free Speech ==
	Free speech is never totally absolute. All societies have some limits on speech, particularly [[wikipedia:Defamation\|defamation]] or [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|intentionally causing a panic or riot]]. Many countries also place limits on [[racism]], [[hate speech]], or promoting [[fascism]]. Arguments can be made either way with regards to whether this is better. One thing that can be said is that the countries that ban open [[fascism]] also happen to be higher on the world [[happiness]] scale than the one that is famous for its free speech absolutism, though there are obviously many other factors at work.		Free speech is never totally absolute. All [[societies]] have some [[legal]] limits on speech, particularly [[wikipedia:Defamation\|defamation]] or [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|intentionally causing a panic or riot]]. Many countries also place limits on [[racism]], [[hate speech]], or promoting [[fascism]]. Arguments can be made either way with regards to whether this is better. One thing that can be said is that the countries that ban open [[fascism]] also happen to be higher on the world [[happiness]] scale than the one that is famous for its free speech absolutism, though there are obviously many other factors at work.

	You can also make an argument that these [[ideologies]] are so cancerous to [[society]], and play so well to our worst instincts, that they cannot be allowed to spread for the [[inevitably]] lead to [[war]] and [[genocide]]. However, this would also be a great argument for creating [[ritualized]] anti-[[fascist]] [[social norms]] to ensure [[Theoretical people\|future generations]] reflexively know never to go there.		You can also make an argument that these [[ideologies]] are so cancerous to [[society]], and play so well to our worst instincts, that they cannot be allowed to spread for the [[inevitably]] lead to [[war]] and [[genocide]]. However, this would also be a great argument for creating [[ritualized]] anti-[[fascist]] [[social norms]] to ensure [[Theoretical people\|future generations]] reflexively know never to go there.

Fractalguy: /* Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion */

2024-12-31T11:43:18Z

Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion

Fractalguy: /* No Right to Platforms */

2024-12-31T11:35:25Z

No Right to Platforms

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:35, 31 December 2024
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	== No Right to Platforms ==		== No Right to Platforms ==

	Freedom of speech does not necessarily give one the right to a mass media [[platform]], especially in the age of the Internet where [[memes]] can spread to millions of people in a matter of minutes, potentially [[misinforming]] and inflaming those who see it in ways that are dangerous to a stable society.		Freedom of speech does not necessarily give one the right to a mass media [[platform]], especially in the age of the Internet where [[memes]] can spread to millions of people in a matter of minutes, potentially [[misinforming]] and [[Outrage\|inflaming]] those who see it in ways that are dangerous to a stable society.

	== Free Speech Social Norms ==		== Free Speech Social Norms ==
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	More nuance is required when discussing topics like racism, or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these lies by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.		More nuance is required when discussing topics like racism, or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these lies by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.

			== Limits on Free Speech ==
			Free speech is never totally absolute. All societies have some limits on speech, particularly [[wikipedia:Defamation\|defamation]] or [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|intentionally causing a panic or riot]]. Many countries also place limits on [[racism]], [[hate speech]], or promoting [[fascism]]. Arguments can be made either way with regards to whether this is better. One thing that can be said is that the countries that ban open [[fascism]] also happen to be higher on the world [[happiness]] scale than the one that is famous for its free speech absolutism, though there are obviously many other factors at work.

			You can also make an argument that these [[ideologies]] are so cancerous to [[society]], and play so well to our worst instincts, that they cannot be allowed to spread for the [[inevitably]] lead to [[war]] and [[genocide]]. However, this would also be a great argument for creating [[ritualized]] anti-[[fascist]] [[social norms]] to ensure [[Theoretical people\|future generations]] reflexively know never to go there.

			If [[social norms]] and [[platform]] moderation are able to prevent the widespread dissemination of [[hate speech]], then legal limits may not be necessary. This gives people the sense of [[freedom]] to know that they could publish a pro-Nazi manifesto if they wanted to, but nobody would have any [[incentive]] to do so.

	== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==		== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==

Fractalguy at 10:26, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T10:26:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 27 April 2024
Line 4:		Line 4:
	== No Right to Platforms ==		== No Right to Platforms ==

	~~However freedom~~ of speech does not necessarily give one the right to a mass media [[platform]], especially in the age of the Internet where [[memes]] can spread to millions of people in a matter of minutes, potentially [[misinforming]] and inflaming those who see it in ways that are dangerous to a stable society.		Freedom of speech does not necessarily give one the right to a mass media [[platform]], especially in the age of the Internet where [[memes]] can spread to millions of people in a matter of minutes, potentially [[misinforming]] and inflaming those who see it in ways that are dangerous to a stable society.

	== Free Speech Social Norms ==		== Free Speech Social Norms ==

	It is easy to conceive of a [[future]] where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a society it could be possible for [[Truth\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[Taboo\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However this is far from our current reality.		It is easy to conceive of a [[future]] where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a society it could be possible for [[Truth\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[Taboo\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However, this is far from our current reality.

	Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't shout "fire" in a theater because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.		Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't shout "fire" in a theater because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.

Fractalguy: /* Free Speech Social Norms */

2024-02-18T11:58:44Z

Free Speech Social Norms

Fractalguy at 13:32, 25 January 2024

2024-01-25T13:32:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:32, 25 January 2024
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			[[File:Freedom-of-speech-digital-platform-moderation-social-norms.jpg\|thumb\|Facebook moderators can't stop a cardboard sign]]
	Freedom of speech is the cornerstone to [[democracy]]. Being able to share ideas without the fear of official retribution is absolutely necessary if society is to improve, as there can be no improvement without criticism of the status quo.		Freedom of speech is the cornerstone to [[democracy]]. Being able to share ideas without the fear of official retribution is absolutely necessary if society is to improve, as there can be no improvement without criticism of the status quo.

Line 7:		Line 8:
	== Free Speech Social Norms ==		== Free Speech Social Norms ==

	It is easy to conceive of a future where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a society it could be possible for [[~~truth~~\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[~~taboo~~\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However this is far from our current reality.		It is easy to conceive of a future where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a society it could be possible for [[Truth\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[Taboo\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However this is far from our current reality.

	Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in societies that value free speech. You can't shout "fire" in a theater because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.		Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in societies that value free speech. You can't shout "fire" in a theater because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.

Fractalguy: /* Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion */

2024-01-25T13:29:56Z

Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:29, 25 January 2024
Line 27:		Line 27:
	Take it one step further and consider [[promotion]]. The way recommendation algorithms on [[social media]] currently work effectively gives free advertising to the most harmful content available. While you can ague that there should be a right to "free speech" on major [[platforms]] because they effectively serve as a "town square", their is no argument for a right to have that content promoted algorithmically.		Take it one step further and consider [[promotion]]. The way recommendation algorithms on [[social media]] currently work effectively gives free advertising to the most harmful content available. While you can ague that there should be a right to "free speech" on major [[platforms]] because they effectively serve as a "town square", their is no argument for a right to have that content promoted algorithmically.

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghTL5gU6fs\|\|center\|\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghTL5gU6fs\|\|center\|Social Media and Hate Speech: Who Gets to Decide?\|frame}}
			<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R49d4f5sEs4\|\|center\|\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R49d4f5sEs4\|\|center\|\|frame}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 31 December 2024
Line 12:		Line 12:
	Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|shout "fire" in a theater]] because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.		Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|shout "fire" in a theater]] because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.

	More nuance is required when discussing topics like [[racism]], or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these [[Lies are Free\|lies]] by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.		More nuance is required when discussing topics like [[racism]], or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response.

			In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these [[Lies are Free\|lies]] by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts like [[conspiracy theories]] used to, without the need for official limitations on free speech.

	== Legal Limits on Free Speech ==		== Legal Limits on Free Speech ==
	Free speech is never totally absolute. All societies have some limits on speech, particularly [[wikipedia:Defamation\|defamation]] or [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|intentionally causing a panic or riot]]. Many countries also place limits on [[racism]], [[hate speech]], or promoting [[fascism]]. Arguments can be made either way with regards to whether this is better. One thing that can be said is that the countries that ban open [[fascism]] also happen to be higher on the world [[happiness]] scale than the one that is famous for its free speech absolutism, though there are obviously many other factors at work.		Free speech is never totally absolute. All [[societies]] have some [[legal]] limits on speech, particularly [[wikipedia:Defamation\|defamation]] or [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|intentionally causing a panic or riot]]. Many countries also place limits on [[racism]], [[hate speech]], or promoting [[fascism]]. Arguments can be made either way with regards to whether this is better. One thing that can be said is that the countries that ban open [[fascism]] also happen to be higher on the world [[happiness]] scale than the one that is famous for its free speech absolutism, though there are obviously many other factors at work.

	You can also make an argument that these [[ideologies]] are so cancerous to [[society]], and play so well to our worst instincts, that they cannot be allowed to spread for the [[inevitably]] lead to [[war]] and [[genocide]]. However, this would also be a great argument for creating [[ritualized]] anti-[[fascist]] [[social norms]] to ensure [[Theoretical people\|future generations]] reflexively know never to go there.		You can also make an argument that these [[ideologies]] are so cancerous to [[society]], and play so well to our worst instincts, that they cannot be allowed to spread for the [[inevitably]] lead to [[war]] and [[genocide]]. However, this would also be a great argument for creating [[ritualized]] anti-[[fascist]] [[social norms]] to ensure [[Theoretical people\|future generations]] reflexively know never to go there.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:43, 31 December 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Freedom-of-speech-digital-platform-moderation-social-norms.jpg\|thumb\|Facebook moderators can't stop a cardboard sign]]		[[File:Freedom-of-speech-digital-platform-moderation-social-norms.jpg\|thumb\|Facebook moderators can't stop a cardboard sign]]
	Freedom of speech is the cornerstone to [[democracy]]. Being able to share ideas without the fear of official retribution is absolutely necessary if society is to improve, as there can be no improvement without criticism of the status quo.		Freedom of speech is the cornerstone to [[democracy]]. Being able to share [[ideas]] without the fear of official retribution is absolutely necessary if [[society]] is to improve, as there can be no improvement without criticism of the status quo.

	== No Right to Platforms ==		== No Right to Platforms ==
Line 8:		Line 8:
	== Free Speech Social Norms ==		== Free Speech Social Norms ==

	It is easy to conceive of a [[future]] where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a society it could be possible for [[Truth\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[Taboo\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However, this is far from our current reality.		It is easy to conceive of a [[future]] where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a [[society]] it could be possible for [[Truth\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[Taboo\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However, this is far from our current reality.

	Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't shout "fire" in a theater because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.		Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|shout "fire" in a theater]] because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.

	More nuance is required when discussing topics like racism, or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these lies by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.		More nuance is required when discussing topics like [[racism]], or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these [[Lies are Free\|lies]] by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.

	== Limits on Free Speech ==		== Legal Limits on Free Speech ==
	Free speech is never totally absolute. All societies have some limits on speech, particularly [[wikipedia:Defamation\|defamation]] or [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|intentionally causing a panic or riot]]. Many countries also place limits on [[racism]], [[hate speech]], or promoting [[fascism]]. Arguments can be made either way with regards to whether this is better. One thing that can be said is that the countries that ban open [[fascism]] also happen to be higher on the world [[happiness]] scale than the one that is famous for its free speech absolutism, though there are obviously many other factors at work.		Free speech is never totally absolute. All societies have some limits on speech, particularly [[wikipedia:Defamation\|defamation]] or [[wikipedia:Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater\|intentionally causing a panic or riot]]. Many countries also place limits on [[racism]], [[hate speech]], or promoting [[fascism]]. Arguments can be made either way with regards to whether this is better. One thing that can be said is that the countries that ban open [[fascism]] also happen to be higher on the world [[happiness]] scale than the one that is famous for its free speech absolutism, though there are obviously many other factors at work.

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	== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==		== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==

	[[Free Speech]] refers to the legality of speech and the ability for governments to suppress speech. The right to express any thought, no matter how vile, should not be curtailed in a free [[society]].		[[Free Speech]] refers to the [[Legal\|legality]] of speech and the ability for [[governments]] to suppress speech. The right to express any thought, no matter how vile, should not be curtailed in a free [[society]].

	[[Platforms]] (i.e. [[social media]]) are private companies and thus any legal "right" to free speech is not enforceable. If their management decides to allow or disallow any kind of speech on those [[platforms]] it is their right as a private company; it does not impact any citizen's legal rights because the corporations can't put you in jail (yet).		[[Platforms]] (i.e. [[social media]]) are private companies and thus any [[legal]] "right" to free speech is not enforceable. If their management decides to allow or disallow any kind of speech on those [[platforms]] it is their right as a private company; it does not impact any citizen's legal rights because the corporations can't put you in jail (yet).

	[[Promotion]] refers to the algorithms that [[Platforms]] use to recommend content. When an algorithm recommends another piece of content or adds it to a feed, it is effectively promoting that content.		[[Promotion]] refers to the algorithms that [[Platforms]] use to recommend content. When an algorithm recommends another piece of content or adds it to a feed, it is effectively promoting that content.

	There is a lot of confusion between free speech rights versus platforming rights, which is understandable given that [[social media]] has become the place where the vast majority of speech is being generated. It seems logical that in a [[society]] with "free speech" you should be able to say anything you want on social media. But legally this is not the case.		There is a lot of confusion between free speech rights versus platforming rights, which is understandable given that [[social media]] has become the place where the vast majority of speech is being generated. It seems logical that in a [[society]] with "free speech" you should be able to say anything you want on [[social media]]. But [[legally]] this is not the case.

	Using a metaphor with references old enough for our legislators to understand, let's say there was a newspaper that published a 10,000 page daily issue and offered free classified ads and unlimited space for the letters to the editor section. You would still expect them to exert editorial control and not just publish every single thing that is sent in, just as they do with a normal sized newspaper. Blatant lies, [[misinformation]], slander, etc. would not and should not get published. Nobody complains that their free speech rights are being curtailed when newspapers don't publish their flat earth tirades.		Using a [[metaphor]] with references old enough for our legislators to understand, let's say there was a newspaper that published a 10,000 page daily issue and offered free classified ads and unlimited space for the letters to the editor section. You would still expect them to exert editorial control and not just publish every single thing that is sent in, just as they do with a normal sized newspaper. Blatant lies, [[misinformation]], [[wikipedia:Defamation\|slander]], etc. would not and should not get published. Nobody complains that their free speech rights are being curtailed when newspapers don't publish their flat earth tirades.

	Take it one step further and consider [[promotion]]. The way recommendation algorithms on [[social media]] currently work effectively gives free advertising to the most harmful content available. While you can ague that there should be a right to "free speech" on major [[platforms]] because they effectively serve as a "town square", their is no argument for a right to have that content promoted [[Algorithm\|algorithmically]].		Take it one step further and consider [[promotion]]. The way recommendation [[algorithms]] on [[social media]] currently work effectively gives free advertising to the [[Outrage\|most harmful content available]]. While you can ague that there should be a right to "free speech" on major [[platforms]] because they effectively serve as a "town square", their is no argument for a right to have that content promoted [[Algorithm\|algorithmically]].

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghTL5gU6fs\|\|center\|Social Media and Hate Speech: Who Gets to Decide?\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghTL5gU6fs\|\|center\|Social Media and Hate Speech: Who Gets to Decide?\|frame}}
	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R49d4f5sEs4\|\|center\|\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R49d4f5sEs4\|\|center\|\|frame}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:58, 18 February 2024
Line 8:		Line 8:
	== Free Speech Social Norms ==		== Free Speech Social Norms ==

	It is easy to conceive of a future where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a society it could be possible for [[Truth\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[Taboo\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However this is far from our current reality.		It is easy to conceive of a [[future]] where everyone is taught [[critical thinking]] and trained to recognize [[misinformation]] wherever it appears. In such a society it could be possible for [[Truth\|lies]], [[racism]] and incitement to violence to be [[Taboo\|shunned]] to the point that very few are willing to break those [[taboos]]. However this is far from our current reality.

	Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in societies that value free speech. You can't shout "fire" in a theater because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.		Incitement to violence or chaos is where the line is typically drawn in [[societies]] that value free speech. You can't shout "fire" in a theater because it inevitably leads to chaos. You can't threaten others with violence or encourage others to engage in violence. These cases are clear-cut.

	More nuance is required when discussing topics like racism, or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech algorithms serve these lies by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by political elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.		More nuance is required when discussing topics like racism, or a [[big lie]] that, if true, would justify violence in response. In these cases it seems that unless tech [[algorithms]] serve these lies by the millions to unsuspecting readers, or they are repeated and promoted by [[political]] elites, they will stay relegated to small groups of social outcasts without the need for official limitations on free speech.

	== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==		== Free Speech, Platforms, and Promotion ==

	[[Free Speech]] refers to the legality of speech and the ability for governments to suppress speech. The right to express any thought, no matter how vile, should not be curtailed in a free society.		[[Free Speech]] refers to the legality of speech and the ability for governments to suppress speech. The right to express any thought, no matter how vile, should not be curtailed in a free [[society]].

	[[Platforms]] (i.e. [[social media]]) are private companies and thus any legal "right" to free speech is not enforceable. If their management decides to allow or disallow any kind of speech on those platforms it is their right as a private company; it does not impact any citizen's legal rights because the corporations can't put you in jail (yet).		[[Platforms]] (i.e. [[social media]]) are private companies and thus any legal "right" to free speech is not enforceable. If their management decides to allow or disallow any kind of speech on those [[platforms]] it is their right as a private company; it does not impact any citizen's legal rights because the corporations can't put you in jail (yet).

	[[Promotion]] refers to the algorithms that [[Platforms]] use to recommend content. When an algorithm recommends another piece of content or adds it to a feed, it is effectively promoting that content.		[[Promotion]] refers to the algorithms that [[Platforms]] use to recommend content. When an algorithm recommends another piece of content or adds it to a feed, it is effectively promoting that content.

	There is a lot of confusion between free speech rights versus platforming rights, which is understandable given that [[social media]] has become the place where the vast majority of speech is being generated. It seems logical that in a society with "free speech" you should be able to say anything you want on social media. But legally this is not the case.		There is a lot of confusion between free speech rights versus platforming rights, which is understandable given that [[social media]] has become the place where the vast majority of speech is being generated. It seems logical that in a [[society]] with "free speech" you should be able to say anything you want on social media. But legally this is not the case.

	Using a metaphor with references old enough for our legislators to understand, let's say there was a newspaper that published a 10,000 page daily issue and offered free classified ads and unlimited space for the letters to the editor section. You would still expect them to exert editorial control and not just publish every single thing that is sent in, just as they do with a normal sized newspaper. Blatant lies, [[misinformation]], slander, etc. would not and should not get published. Nobody complains that their free speech rights are being curtailed when newspapers don't publish their flat earth tirades.		Using a metaphor with references old enough for our legislators to understand, let's say there was a newspaper that published a 10,000 page daily issue and offered free classified ads and unlimited space for the letters to the editor section. You would still expect them to exert editorial control and not just publish every single thing that is sent in, just as they do with a normal sized newspaper. Blatant lies, [[misinformation]], slander, etc. would not and should not get published. Nobody complains that their free speech rights are being curtailed when newspapers don't publish their flat earth tirades.

	Take it one step further and consider [[promotion]]. The way recommendation algorithms on [[social media]] currently work effectively gives free advertising to the most harmful content available. While you can ague that there should be a right to "free speech" on major [[platforms]] because they effectively serve as a "town square", their is no argument for a right to have that content promoted algorithmically.		Take it one step further and consider [[promotion]]. The way recommendation algorithms on [[social media]] currently work effectively gives free advertising to the most harmful content available. While you can ague that there should be a right to "free speech" on major [[platforms]] because they effectively serve as a "town square", their is no argument for a right to have that content promoted [[Algorithm\|algorithmically]].

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghTL5gU6fs\|\|center\|Social Media and Hate Speech: Who Gets to Decide?\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghTL5gU6fs\|\|center\|Social Media and Hate Speech: Who Gets to Decide?\|frame}}
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