If you express something online, you can theoretically reach some 3 billion people – nearly half of humankind. What you say, or draw, or photograph, may be fine to publish in your own country and culture, but deeply offensive in others.
Free speech is the freedom on which all other freedoms depend. But what should be the limits to freedom of expression in a world where we are all becoming neighbours? How should we use the fantastic possibilities given to us by the internet to exchange ideas across cultures?
This website, part of a research project at Oxford University, is dedicated to encouraging and informing this vital debate about free speech in a connected world. Uniquely, much of it is offered in 13 languages. First click on your language of choice at the very top of this page. Then start exploring.
The site is organised around 10 principles, each of which addresses a major area. Click on a principle card on the homepage to see content relating to that area and then click on the upper right-hand panel to read my introduction.
Or you can simply browse our extraordinary range of international content by country, contributor or topic or use the search box in the top corner to delve into particular subjects of interest to you.
If you want to learn more, please read the book I’ve written out of this journey of exploration across cultures.
Above all, please come onto the site yourself to comment and engage with others. You can also make your own guided tour, which you can then discuss with students, friends or any other group, in any way and on any platform, online or offline. Please let us know how you’ve used the site by leaving your comments or by contacting us directly.
To encourage this, we hope to offer “Curator Awards” for the best use of the site as an open educational resource. More details to follow.
Enjoy the journey. And do speak freely! I and the whole team here in Oxford are looking forward to your response.
All best wishes
Timothy Garton Ash and the
Free Speech Debate team
PS. While we prefer people to use their real names, we know that there are many circumstances in which you will need the safety of a pseudonym. Please feel free to use one if that is the case.
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