If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

Last Updated: 02.07.2025 07:59

If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

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.

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.

Threats of violence

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Insider trading

No freedom is absolute.

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.

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HIPAA violations

Terroristic threats

And much, much more.

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Perjury

Insurrection

Fraud

Common herbal supplement linked to deadly liver disease - Times of India

Freedom of speech does not apply to:

Revenge porn

Child pornography

Why did my ex move on so quickly?

Conspiracy

False advertising

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.

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Trade secrets

Revealing classified information