Free Speech Debate

Thirteen languages. Ten principles. One conversation.

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1We – all human beings – must be free and able to express ourselves, and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas, regardless of frontiers.»
2We defend the internet and all other forms of communication against illegitimate encroachments by both public and private powers.»
3We require and create open, diverse media so we can make well-informed decisions and participate fully in political life.»
4We speak openly and with civility about all kinds of human difference.»
5We allow no taboos in the discussion and dissemination of knowledge.»
6We neither make threats of violence nor accept violent intimidation.»
7We respect the believer but not necessarily the content of the belief.»
8We are all entitled to a private life but should accept such scrutiny as is in the public interest.»
9We should be able to counter slurs on our reputations without stifling legitimate debate.»
10We must be free to challenge all limits to freedom of expression and information justified on such grounds as national security, public order, morality and the protection of intellectual property.»

What’s missing?

Is there a vital area we have not addressed? A principle 11? An illuminating case study? Read other people's suggestions and add your own here. Or start the debate in your own language.
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Demonstrators hold posters during a peaceful protest against the Latbadaung Mountain Copper Mine project, in Yangon

Free Speech in Burma!

Timothy Garton Ash is speaking at an unprecedented Literature Festival in Burma, including a panel specifically on freedom of expression.

Published on: January 31, 2013 | Comments: 0

48th Munich Security Conference

World Press Freedom events end with “Carthage Declaration”

The declaration calls on governments, media outlets and Unesco to enhance press freedom around the world.

Published on: May 7, 2012 | Comments: 0

Activists Protest Internet Copyright Restrictions

ACTA & the internet: freedom of expression & privacy

Join Free Speech Debate and ARTICLE 19 in London on Thursday 3 May for a panel discussion on the impact of ACTA on global free expression

Published on: May 2, 2012 | Comments: 0

Wikipedia blackout

Reuters covers Free Speech Debate launch

In a short interview with Reuters, Timothy Garton Ash explains the global ramifications of SOPA and PIPA, the two anti-piracy bills in the US.

Published on: January 22, 2012 | Comments: 0

Left to right: Timothy Garton Ash, Jonathan Biss & Bridget Kenall at BBC Bush House, London

Freedom of expression: how free should it be?

Timothy Garton Ash introduces our project on The Forum, the BBC World Service's flagship discussion programme.

Published on: January 13, 2012 | Comments: 0

Free Speech Debate is a research project of the Dahrendorf Programme for the Study of Freedom at St Antony's College in the University of Oxford. www.freespeechdebate.ox.ac.uk