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

Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:54

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

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.

Freedom of speech does not apply to:

Threats of violence

Agent-based computing is outgrowing the web as we know it - VentureBeat

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.

Insider trading

Fraud

NASA’s Webb Rounds Out Picture of Sombrero Galaxy’s Disk - NASA Science (.gov)

Conspiracy

Insurrection

Trade secrets

Epidemiological update: SARS-CoV-2 and NB.1.8.1 variant assessment - European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

Revealing classified information

And much, much more.

Terroristic threats

What are some examples of unofficial acts by presidents?

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.

Perjury

HIPAA violations

Elon Musk's robotaxi has a serious problem - TheStreet

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.

Child pornography

Revenge porn

Column | Nervous about using the bathroom at work? A gastroenterologist shares advice. - The Washington Post

False advertising

No freedom is absolute.