The Erosion of Free Speech and the Risks to Fundamental Freedoms

Free speech is the right to express opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation, recognized as a fundamental human right in many legal systems worldwide. Freedom of speech is the right to say whatever you like about whatever you like, whenever you like, right? Wrong. 'Freedom of speech is the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, by any means.' Freedom of speech and the right to freedom of expression applies to ideas of all kinds including those that may be deeply offensive. But it comes with responsibilities and we believe it can be legitimately restricted.