Freedom of speech

Lore & Background

Freedom of speech and expression has a long history predating modern human rights instruments. The ancient Athenian democratic principle of free speech may have emerged in the late 6th or early 5th century BC.

Reader's Guide

Freedom of speech is recognized in international and regional human rights law, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. It is understood as a multi-faceted right including the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any medium. However, it is not absolute; common limitations relate to libel, slander, obscenity, hate speech, classified information, and copyright violation, among others. Justifications include the harm principle proposed by John Stuart Mill and the offense principle. In the digital age, new means of communication face restrictions such as internet censorship and content moderation by social media platforms.

Did You Know?

• The Index Expurgatorius, a list of prohibited books issued by the Roman Catholic Church, banned works by Descartes, Galileo, Hume, Locke, Rousseau, and Voltaire.
• Article 19 of the UDHR states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including freedom to seek, receive, and impart information through any media.
• The ICCPR version of Article 19 allows restrictions for respect of others' rights, national security, public order, or public health or morals.