Can we say words like the n-word, hoe or other offensive words when writing comments on webpages? Where can I find more about the law on this? What's the extent of free speech on the internet?
2007-07-17 20:45:49 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If you have your own site - you can say anything you like, as long as you don't make threats (they don't have to be terroristic, you cannot threaten to kill anyone).
On someone else's site you're bound by their rules - as with most things, when you sign on (MySpace, Yahoo, most forums, message boards, etc.) you agree to abide by their guidelines.
Freedom of speech has nothing to do with the internet. The USA has freedom of speech as a constitutional right - not all countries do. The internet has no boundaries. The internet is not the US government.
2007-07-17 23:15:25 · answer #1 · answered by pepper 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. This is a great question. I know students have gotten expelled for things they have said on their myspace (threats, comments about teachers etc). I do know if there is any hint at a threat to national security it will be investigated (there is a toll free # for such things). You can also report things to the website administrator-many have terms of use agreements and some of the rude and disrespectful words some others have written are against certain websites policies...If you slander someone I imagine that would be illegal....I don't know though...there is a lot of gray in the rules of the internet.
I guess I am curious as to the answer, but I still always want to be true to who I am and question would I say to a person, in person, what I am typing out on the internet.
2007-07-17 20:57:35 · answer #2 · answered by amandasmama 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom means not to abuse it on the internet. There are already laws to punish someone by saying bad word in the internet. However, the implementation of said laws are not strict for minor violations.
2007-07-17 22:10:47 · answer #3 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
haha!
you can try.
in theory there is free speech, but you can get in trouble for loads of things most of all threats against people or inciting hatred, libel etc.
this is assuming the right person comes across the information and takes it very seriously, seriously enough to report you and try and have you charged with something.
Which is very unlikely but has happened.
There have been cases of people being charged for sending harassing emails etc or "bullying" in chat rooms.
I believe there are now quite a few (stupid) laws in place in America regarding "harassing" people online.
But you can say the n word and all the other bad words you want to, unless you are on a website that has rules against it, then you might find yourself banned.
2007-07-17 20:51:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
as long as you're not a terrorist, you can say what you want..
well, that is, unless you dont mind getting sued by anyone these days. as far as the internet goes, that where i can say things that i want to say and really, if anything a username will be delected for saying something that someone doen't want to hear.
i asked a question in the politics catorgories and people are chewing me out for saying that this war is a no end war.
the media controls people by brain washing them to conformity and regecting those who aren't like them.
but what do i know, I'm only a level 1 yahoo Q&A member
2007-07-17 20:53:47 · answer #5 · answered by jefftourct 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are subject to the websites Terms of Service in that they may remove or revoke your access to a site if you are in violation as websites are private property.
2007-07-18 01:37:57 · answer #6 · answered by kyghostchaser2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you can. I know I do. Try and find out though. You know they have a stupid law for everything now-a-days!
2007-07-17 20:49:08 · answer #7 · answered by enzymatique 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you're not Imus.
2007-07-17 20:51:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋