Online Freedom of Speech and the Law: Regulating Platforms in an Information Society

This book explores the balance between the fundamental right to express opinions and the increasing demand for regulation in the era of social media, artificial intelligence, and digital governance.

In an age of unprecedented digital expression, the struggle between freedom of speech and content regulation is redefining the future of democracy. This book traces the historical transformation of freedom of speech, from traditional print media to the complex legal challenges posed by global online platforms. Through a critical analysis of landmark cases, including the Glawischnig-Piesczek ruling (C-18/18), Twitter’s political speech controversies, and Article 17 of the DSM Directive, it examines how European legal frameworks are shaping online discourse. Blending legal analysis with empirical research, the book investigates public perceptions of content moderation and censorship, drawing on survey data to assess societal attitudes toward speech restrictions. It also explores AI-driven content moderation, the regulation of misinformation, and the ethical dilemmas digital platforms face in balancing free expression with harm prevention. It offers a comprehensive guide to the legal, ethical, and technological challenges of digital speech. It provides crucial insights and policy recommendations for lawmakers, platform regulators, and advocates of digital rights.

The book will be of interest to researchers in the field of digital governance, freedom of speech.