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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Activists from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena hold placards as they are detained by police during a protest in New Delhi

Seen from India: is freedom of expression under threat in the digital age?

At the invitation of Index of Censorship and the Editors Guild of India, Timothy Garton Ash joins Kirsty Hughes at a panel discussion in Delhi with Shri Ajit Balakrishnan, Shri Sunil Abraham and Ramajit Singh Chima.

Published on: March 1, 2013 | Principle 1 | Comments: 1

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Brazil’s online crossroads between authoritarianism and democracy

Despite Brazil’s democratic accomplishments, laws used to regulate websites date from the 1960s, giving arbitrary power to the state. A proposed ‘Marco Civil da Internet’ has the capacity to change this, writes Marcos Todeschini.

Published on: December 13, 2012 | Principle 2 | Comments: 2

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Brazil confronts Google – and it’s personal

A top Google executive was arrested in Brazil when the company refused to remove YouTube videos that made accusations against a local mayoral candidate. Felipe Correa discusses the case.

Published on: November 1, 2012 | Principle 2 | Comments: 2

Bettina Wulff

Can Google’s algorithm slander a politician’s wife?

Type 'Bettina Wulff', the name of a former German president’s wife, into Google and the autocomplete function will add 'escort'. Is this algorithmic addition a form of defamation? Sebastian Huempfer explores the case.

Published on: October 26, 2012 | Principle 9 | Comments: 2

Indonesian protesters

Defending Islam and free speech

FSD's Katie Engelhart sat in on this Frontline Club debate to discuss controversy surrounding the YouTube video Innocence of Muslims.

Published on: October 4, 2012 | Principle 6 | Comments: 1

Libya US consulate

Has Innocence of Muslims ended the innocence of YouTube?

Join us to debate the role internet platforms like YouTube should play in setting free speech agendas in your country, your language and across the world. Online editor Brian Pellot kicks off the discussion.

Published on: September 26, 2012 | Principle 6 | Comments: 17

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Online language bubbles: the last frontier?

Scott A Hale explores the effect of language in seeking and imparting information on the broader web.

Published on: July 25, 2012 | Principle 1 | Comments: 0

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The digital sovereigns

Published on: July 13, 2012 | Principle 2 | Comments: 0

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Defamation and the internet

Published on: July 11, 2012 | Principle 8 | Comments: 0

serendipity engine

Eric Schmidt & The Serendipity Engine

Google's executive chairman believes online connectivity benefits everyone; social psychologist Aleks Krotoski tries to introduce a little more serendipity into the equation, writes Maryam Omidi.

Published on: May 24, 2012 | Comments: 0

Camera of a German Google Street View car (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Google Street View in Germany

In March 2011, a Berlin court ruled that Google Street View was not illegal after a private citizen filed a lawsuit, claiming the technology was an infringement of her property and privacy rights. Sebastian Huempfer looks at the case.

Published on: February 20, 2012 | Principle 8 | Comments: 2

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