Yahoo answer provide freedom of speech? The U.S gov can't do nothing to us right?

Question

How limited is the freedom of freech in the U.S ?

Answer 1

Oh boy another one those questions. Yahoo Answers is a private sector business in the United States.

"Freedom of speech" is a guarentee in the US Constitution, THat is true. But the "freedom of speech" only protects US citizens from GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE with speech.

The government has no business dictating what a private sector business entitity says or does not say. That being said, Yahoo, a publicly traded private sector entitiy can set its own speech standards. By setting rules and expecting it's users to abide by said rules Yahoo is acting within its rights.

Freedom of speech does not give a person the right to yell "fire" in a crowded theatre.

The US government does not dictate to Yahoo what it can or cannot say. Although Mainland China has dictated to many US based technology companies. Google has bowed to the demands of COMMUNIST CHINA. I think Yahoo has too. That is censorship.

So, as far as infringements on freedom of speech, don't you think you are pointing fingers at the WRONG COUNTRY?

If you don't like Yahoo's rules, then buy some servers and set up your own Internet company. That is freedom!

Answer 2

Are you from a different Country? Speech is not limited unless it is actively promoting criminal activity. I cannot go on the radio and say, "Kill Blacks/Kill Jews/Kill Whatever" because I would be promoting criminal activity.
The FCC also controls public broadcasting and limits nudity and language content, but not ideas or thoughts.
Cable companies can pretty much show whatever they feel like, because it is a service people are paying for. The news networks here can bash the government all they want with no fear of reprisal.
Hope that answers your question.

Answer 3

First of all, Yahoo is a private company. By using its services, you agree to certain limitations on your speech. That's a matter of contract law, not constitutional law.

As far as government limitations, there are several categories of unprotected speech. Incitement to violence for example. Or defamation. Or child pornography. Or harassment. And several categories of limited speech, including commercial advertising or obscenity. Or classified state secrets.

As long as your speech does not fall within one of the unprotected categories, you cannot generally be punished by the govt. But that only applies to public forums.

The private company providing access to this private forum can hold you to the Terms of Use you consented to follow.

Answer 4

Honestly I am not trying to be rude but freedom of speech in the US is fantastic compared to the rest of the world if you factor in different governments and their laws on such things as women's rights, homosexuality, abortion and so on - the US does give people a louder voice in these matters than the rest of the world.

Answer 5

You can't threaten someones life and you can not say or yell things that may cause panic in public places. Pretty much don't physically do any harm. Other than that you can call the President an ******

Answer 6

Pretty limited. Our only saving grace is we are allowed to criticize our government. Even that is being taken away, because it seems that those who criticize our gov't are blackballed and people say they are on the side of the terrorists.

Answer 7

not that i know of. and the freedom is not that limited. unless you threaten against somebody's life or do something really bad.

Answer 8

Nothing at all. Unless you threaten to kill the President or something. Yahoo does record your IP address. THEY WILL FIND YOU!

Answer 9

Censorship, unfortunately, has taken hold in our society and especially in schools. Children today are deprived of creativity and individuality because the school does not allow them to say what they feel. It's wrong.

Answer 10

You just cant threaten People