Should freedom of speech on the internet be considered a privilege and not a right?

Question

Getting off on hiding behind a keyboard and insulting
people. Someone should draw the line.
Just like driving your car. You're given your license
to drive, not run over people.

Okay, maybe the drivers license analogy
was a bad one. But I do hope somebody
gets my meaning. I didn't mean out in
public squelching. I meant "just on the
internet" thanks

Come on folks. Tell me what you think.
I'm starting to like one posters answer.

Answer 1

Actually, our free speech rights may already be limited on the internet for a number of reasons. First, it is important to note that most of our peer countries (i.e. European countries) don't have such a robust freedom of speech as we do. And due to the international law doctrine of comity, courts in America are generally likely to enforce judgments of foreign courts and vice versa. So, it is possible that if an American citizen ssays something on the internet that is offensive, and someone in France reads it, the French citizen could sue the American in a French court, obtain a judgment against the American unde Frehcn law (it is illegal to insult someone in France by the way) and then have that judgment enforced in American courts by garnishing wages of the American citizens' bank accounts, etc.
On the other hand, American courts may be reluctant to enforce such a judgment if doing so would violate the fundamental principles of American justice.
In any event, it is unclear whether the above-example could happen, so in order to be appropriately cautious, we should all censor ourselves a little on the internet lest we find ourselves in the above situation.
In addition, arguments that assert that the Apocolypse will occur if we diminish America's freedom of speech a little seem hyperbolic. After all, France is a well functioning, free country, yet it criminalizes offensive speech, such as that which is racially disparaging (Nazi, the 'N' word...). Unquestionably, there is little value in such speech, and making such offensive utterances illegal will not excessively chill productive communication.

Answer 2

When people no longer have the right to express their opinions, the world will be in a world of trouble. Would you want to not be able to talk if you insulted a person? This is another way of talking.
Just because a few bad people out there are a little bit rude on how they express their ideas doesn't mean we should be restricted on expressing them.
Running over a person and chancing injuries, damage to property, and death is a much different senerio to calling some one a name... I don't think the 2 subjects can be fairly compared.

When the common man can no longer say what he wishes, he will become unhappy and revolt. It will be a sad day.

Answer 3

Ok, lets give away this right.(Freedom of speech). Then what? Guns? Home ownership. You know how some people keep there house. Dont you think someone should lose there privilege to drive if they run someone over? Your not commiting murder by your freedom to speak. And yes some people are held accountable for what they say. Look at O.J.

Answer 4

In this country , the USA, this topic is governed by the Constitution, First Amendment, which says we all have the freedom of speech. Don't be so sensitive if someone insults you. You have a choice to get away from the screen if your insulted on the internet.

Answer 5

i think of it may be greater effective if we lost the mindset that being gay is one in each and every of those poor component that its greater straightforward to be interior the closet than out. after all Craig replaced into the comparable representative he replaced into for 3 words that he replaced into the day after the arrest grew to alter into public. the only subject I truthfully have with him is that public lewdness is against the regulation, i do no longer desire my grandson strolling in on that for the duration of a public restroom. As to something of it, gays are commonly vivid, articulate and able to solid, ethical judgements. the frenzy to strip Craig of committeeships and his workplace replaced into stunning, fairly pondering Vitters revelations of frequenting prostitutes had no such rush. Given the version in coping with of such issues, it does appear as if its your intercourse existence or your activity, and there's a few thing very incorrect in that. aside from of direction the arrest. that's only unwell. Having intercourse of anykind in a public rest room.

Answer 6

We have the freedom of speech in america no matter what, as long as it does not result in hate speech, there is nothing that can be done to control it.

Answer 7

Freedom to speak one's mind should be a right for all... just like my right to ignore those who speak crap according to MY opinion.

Answer 8

no you cant kill someone over the internet so its freedom of speech and i think its a very good amendment!!