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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: 24.06.2025 00:25

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.

Threats of violence

Insider trading

Jamie Dimon says he wouldn't count on China folding under Trump's tariffs: 'They're not scared, folks.' - Business Insider

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.

Conspiracy

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.

I can't stop thinking about this plotline in 'Materialists' - NPR

Revealing classified information

Revenge porn

Terroristic threats

Joey Chestnut, barred last July, returns to Nathan’s hot dog eating contest - The Washington Post

Fraud

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.

Trade secrets

Defense Department signs OpenAI for $200 million 'frontier AI' pilot project - theregister.com

Freedom of speech does not apply to:

False advertising

Child pornography

New ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Single-Player Video Game in the Works - Variety

Insurrection

HIPAA violations

Perjury

Morning Briefing: Lindor Ties Jeter on Home Run Leaderboard - Metsmerized Online

And much, much more.

No freedom is absolute.