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

Last Updated: 28.06.2025 09:28

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

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.

Insider trading

No freedom is absolute.

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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.

Child pornography

HIPAA violations

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Freedom of speech does not apply to:

False advertising

Revenge porn

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Trade secrets

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.

Insurrection

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Threats of violence

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.

Perjury

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Conspiracy

Terroristic threats

Revealing classified information

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And much, much more.

Fraud