Professional Documents
Culture Documents
by Pragati Ghosh
Richard Moon developed the argument that the value of freedom of speech and expression lies
with social interactions. Moon states that, by interacting, an individual forms relationships and
associations with others from family, friends, co-workers and public and this would help in the
development of knowledge which would in turn be used for the development of a community.
However with every positive aspect, a negative aspect comes and the same applies with the
freedom of speech and expression. There are many limitations or restrictions related to the
freedom of expressions.Expressions have to be made with responsibility and not by lacking it.
The limitations would be implied when the freedom of speech conflicts with other values or rights.
It may follow the offensive principal like in the case of pornography or hatred speech. Limitations
occur through legal sanctions or social disapprobation.
The Internet has laid a great platform for the freedom of expression of thought and speech at a
wider reach. In 2003, The World Summit on the Information Society Declaration of principles,
made specific reference to the importance of freedom of expression in the information Society,
stating as,
We reaffirm, as an essential foundation of the Information society, and as outlined in Article 19 of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and
expression; that this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek,
receives and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Communication is a fundamental social process, a basic human need and the foundation of all
social organization. It is central to the Information Society. Everyone everywhere should have the
opportunity to participate and no one should be excluded from the benefits of the Information
Society offers.
The freedom of expression at the information society level has also lead to the censorship that
monitors the internet which includes the control of suppression of the publishing or accessing
information on the internet should not be misused and should not hurt others feelings on any
particular subject that is being discussed at any levels.