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If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

12.06.2025 10:30

If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

You have freedom to travel. If I loan you my car, I can tell you not to take it out of town, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.

If you’re wondering why free speech doesn’t apply to the internet, it’s because you have no right to use other people’s stuff for free.

Insurrection

First look: The new Pedro Pascal-narrated space show in NYC - Time Out

Child pornography

You have freedom of speech. If I loan you my computer, I can tell you not to use it for certain things, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.

No freedom is absolute.

What do you think of a parent telling their adult child to “keep their personal life to themselves” in relation to talking to them? No reason they should say that it was mean what should I do?

That’s what it is. You have no right to use other people’s stuff. If people let you use their stuff, they can tell you how you can use it, and they can tell you to stop using it any time they want.

Revealing classified information

Freedom of speech does not apply to:

Why do people mourn when their leaders lose elections? Is it common for people to cry over events that are out of their control?

Fraud

Insider trading

Terroristic threats

Why do gun lovers think their right to own a weapon supercedes everyone else's right to be safe and not be shot?

False advertising

Conspiracy

Perjury

When British people write X after everything, are they being serious or trying not to be awkward?

Threats of violence

And much, much more.

HIPAA violations

What are the signs that a guy wants to marry you but is afraid of commitment or does not want to get married at all?

Revenge porn

Trade secrets